The Rim Fire has now become the 4th largest wildfire in California state history, scorching over 200,000 acres of wilderness including over 40,000 acres in Yosemite National Park since it began on August 17th. Nearly three weeks into the catastrophe, it is only 40% contained. To date, Rim Fire flames have destroyed over 100 structures.
The fire has not claimed any human lives, though the impact on wildlife has been immense. Experts on the ground report that it will be at least several weeks before the fire is expected to be completely under control.
As the Rim Fire continues to burn, its smoke is spreading into several neighbouring counties and crossing state lines causing mild to serious effects on citizens, especially those with asthma. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are most affected by environmental smoke exposure. Anyone with a predisposition to asthma is also at risk.
Health officials recommend staying in a closed, air conditioning building or sheltering anywhere there is reliable air conditioning. Remaining hydrated and vigilant about taking prescribed medication is also important. Anyone with breathing problems is being urged to seek medical attention before their condition worsens or becomes a life-threatening emergency.
Smoke particles can trigger asthma in sufferers hundreds of miles away, even though there is little or no visible sign of the smoke detectable with naked eye. In cities where late summer haze is already a problem, the smoke can easily exacerbate breathing issues.
Wind currents can carry smoke and other air borne particles thousands of miles from the source. An example of this fact was the ash particles that reached the nation’s capital in the weeks following the eruption of Washington State’s Mount Saint Helens in 1980.
While particles from the rim fire have not spread that far, the prevalence of breathing problems related to the fire is rapidly expanding. The smoke from the fire is intense and so widespread that astronauts aboard the International Space Station could see the smoke plume clearly and sent back dramatic pictures of the devastation from a flyover last week. The smoke is expected to create problems for weeks to come. For more information about specific smoke warnings, citizens can contact their local state department of health websites.
References:
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-yosemite-fire-20130901,0,1170306.story
http://www.calaverasenterprise.com/news/article_5f76f79e-0f31-11e3-9270-001a4bcf887a.html
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/devastating-californias-biggest-wildfire-year-seen-space-8C11008420
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/08/28/rim-fire-causing-asthma-flareups-hundreds-of-miles-away-from-blaze
