A large warehouse fire in Tracy, San Joaquin County, is generating significant smoke that may affect air quality in portions of the San Joaquin Valley in the next few days. Depending on wind and weather conditions, smoke from the fire may result in elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in nearby and surrounding communities.

Residents in the immediate area of the fire and in downwind regions throughout the Valley that are impacted by smoke are encouraged to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use air filtration when available to reduce exposure, and follow additional recommendations from their medical professionals and local health authorities. The potential for increased air quality impacts will remain until the fire is extinguished and smoke impacts diminish. The District is working with San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services and other state and local partners to assess potential impacts while continuing to monitor the situation.

Fire smoke contains particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants which can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Those with existing respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of this form of pollution.

For more information, visit: https://valleyair.org/air-quality-information/tracy-warehouse-fire-update/. Additional info is available by following San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services on Facebook or X.com. In addition, anyone can follow air quality conditions by downloading the free “Valley Air” mobile app, visiting the EPA Fire and Smoke Map, and downloading the free EPA “AirNow” mobile app.

The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern. For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call the local District office in Modesto at 209-557-6400.