King fire sending more smoky air to Western Nevada

Red-flag warnings for today and Wednesday on the nearly 90,000-acre King fire burning near Pollock Pines could mean dangerous conditions for firefighters and more smoke for Western Nevada.

While the nearly 7,400 firefighters have a line around more than a third of the blaze, today’s gusty winds and low humidity will test those lines.

So far the fire, which has been burning since Sept. 13, has claimed 10 homes and 22 other structures and cost an estimated $42.5 million to fight.

The National Weather Service is predicting that dense smoke will return to Western Nevada 2-8 p.m. today. Smoke will reduce visibility to less than a mile in the late afternoon and evening. Forecasters are discouraging outdoor activities due to unhealthy air quality.

According to an air quality gauge at the Carson City Armory, the air conditions as of 5 a.m. were unhealthy.

Carson Tahoe Health said Monday night it is taking proactive steps to prepare and protect patients in response to the heavy smoke conditions in our area from the King Fire.

Precautions being taken include consolidating entrances at the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center and Carson Tahoe Specialty Medical Center. These inpatient care areas have been equipped with air scrubbers and fans, which have effectively maintained good air quality within the facilities.

Carson Tahoe Health recommends that community members stay inside, refrain from exercising outdoors, don’t use vacuums or gas stoves and keep windows and doors closed.