The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, and the Valley portion of Kern counties, due to smoke impacts from the KNP Complex and Windy Fire burning in Tulare County. The Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District also issued an Air Quality Alert for Mariposa County, due to smoke impacts from those same fires. Currently, the alert is in effect until 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4.

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 your local San Joaquin Valley Air District office. The Modesto office can be reached at 209-557-6400; Fresno 559-230-6000; Bakersfield 661-392-5500.

Residents can also follow air quality conditions by downloading the free Valley Air app, available in the Apple store or Google Play.