The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert due to smoke impacts from surrounding wildfires for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the valley portion of Kern counties. This Air Quality Alert is in effect until the fires are extinguished.

Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections. Residents are advised to use caution as conditions warrant.

People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor’s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion, as conditions dictate.

For additional information, call the local San Joaquin Valley Air District office in Modesto at 209-557-6400. Residents can also follow air quality conditions by downloading the free Valley Air app, available in the Apple store or Google Play.