Events canceled across the valley because of ash and poor air quality

FRESNO, Calif, (KFSN) -- The smoke and ash generated from the Cedar Fire has drifted all over the valley Friday, causing air alerts and several school districts to curtail all of the outdoor activities.

Hundreds of valley residents from Porterville to Clovis woke up to a dusting of ash on their cars in the morning.

If it landed on cars, you can bet it will land on you, your clothes, your arms and your hair.

Air alerts have been issued for the next several days in all valley counties and the first football games of the season got shut down because of the bad air.

Sheri Toole of Porterville said her kids' football games were also canceled for Saturday and even though she's disappointed, she understands.

"They weren't allowed to play outside which is great because they shouldn't really have to breathe this air," she said.

Dr. A.M. Aminian is a Fresno allergist and said normally his practice slows down in the summer months but the last week he's been inundated with patients with itchy eyes and breathing problems.

Aminian said several bad air days are hitting all segments of the population.

"The air is a certain percentage oxygen," he explained. "Now that all these particulate matter and all the soot and ash they all take the place of oxygen so not only do we not get enough oxygen but all these chemicals get into our lungs and irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems."

Aminian said residents should avoid being outdoors.

But if you have to be out, make certain you wash off before you go to bed at night so you wash off all particulates and drink plenty of water.

Your lungs, he said, need hydration so the mucous stays moist.