These hazy, lazy days of summer

Bad air hanging over Yuba-Sutter grew worse Thursday as residents endured another day of heat and haze.

"We basically have not had healthy air for 21⁄2 weeks," said David A. Valler Jr., air quality control officer for the Feather River Air Quality Management District. "It's taking a toll on people."

Levels of particulates given off by wildfires topped the 300 micrograms per cubic meter mark early Thursday, the highest levels since fires broke out last month. Any count above 35 micrograms per cubic meter for particulates 2.5 microns or smaller is considered unhealthy over a 24-hour period.

"Over 300 is very unhealthy and if that were going on for a long period of time, it would reach the hazardous categories," said Valler.

Smoke cleared out somewhat late Thursday as a few residents donned surgical masks.

Marysville's best hope for clean air is a stiff Delta breeze that blows the smoke back up to the foothills. That could arrive Monday to blow away the poor air over the weekend that is expected unless the winds turn onshore sooner.

But the bad air may be here for awhile.

Wildfires across California have burned nearly 1,100 square miles and destroyed about 100 homes since a lightning storm ignited most of them more than two weeks ago. Some 1,460 fires had been contained by Thursday, but more than 320 still were active, authorities said.

Meteorologist Johnnie Powell, with the Sacramento office of the National Weather Service, said the air is going to be smoky until the fires are put out or rain falls.

"The situation is the fires are burning everywhere," said Powell.

Temperatures today are expected to reach 101 degrees with highs this weekend of 97 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Thursday's high was 102 degrees at Yuba County Airport.

Bad air was hitting some people hard, including Harold Adams, of Marysville.

"I have bad breathing problems anyway, so it's not doing me any good," said Adams.

Some others donned surgical masks in hopes of keeping out the particulates.

People are taking interest in the air quality and becoming more aware, said Valler.

Even healthy people can get symptoms because problems are aggravated by poor air quality, he said.

The air is causing concern because the smallest particles are able to get down deep into people's lungs and affect their health. Many youth- related outdoor activities were canceled Thursday. Health officials were advising people to stay indoors.

One local hardware store reported increased sales of bottled water, central air conditioner filters, dust masks and fans.

"Because of the heat, a lot of people are trying to stay indoors, that's why the fans are going," said Harry Cheim, president of Union Lumber Co. on B Street in Marysville.

Luis Montenegro, facility manager for Meek's Lumber and Hardware, on Colusa Avenue in Yuba City, reported nothing out of the ordinary for sales of particulate masks and other gear related to heat or haze.

McNally Appliances, on D Street in Marysville, sold three air conditioners in the last two days.

"Is it out of the norm?" said Gary Brackbill, the store's manager. "It's not for us."

Smoke casualties

Here are some of the events canceled Thursday because of the air:

• Gauche Aquatic Center pool and activities.

• Thursday Night Summer Concert Series event at Gauche Park.

• Yuba City co-ed softball games.

• Colusa's Concert in the Park Series event.

• Williams municipal pool.

• Most high school football practices called off or limited.

• At least some Little League All-Star Tournament games.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com