Smoke From Area Fires Blankets Redding With Unhealthy Air

As a thick layer of smoke descended on the Redding area Wednesday it felt to many like the conditions seen during the Carr Fire, but fire officials wanted everyone to know that there are no large fires burning in Shasta County. Air monitors in some areas of Southern Shasta County and Redding have shown particulate matter at levels considered unhealthy for everyone. Some areas to the south in Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Plumas and Lassen Counties are very unhealthy and even at hazardous levels. It’s recommended that people limit their time outside and wear a “HEPA” mask if available. The Shasta County Air Quality Management District cautions that bandannas and most paper masks that help prevent the spread of germs do nothing to filter the fine particulates contained in smoke.