Turlock residents should be concerned about the air quality for the next few days.

Due to the Aspen Fire burning in Northern California and Oregon and relatively stable weather patterns, local air officials have issued a warning regarding the smoke impacts on the entire Valley Basin — which includes Stanislaus County.

On Tuesday, the amount of produced by smoke in Turlock topped off at fine-particulate matter at 67 μg/m3.

According to the San Joaquin Valley Air District, levels between 56-75 μg/m3 fall into a roar level of 4, deeming it “unhealthy.”

Additionally, the smoke produced from fires can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks and increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. This is due to smoke particles being less than 10 micrometers in diameter, which can be inhaled into and accumulate in the respiratory system. 

Under the current conditions, people with heart or lung disease should follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure.

Older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions.

Residents can check the nearest air monitor to their location to determine localized air-quality conditions. Visit the Real-time Air Advisory Network page on the District’s website to subscribe for free: www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing.htm.

Updated fire information can be found at: www.inciweb.org/incident/3552/.