Wildfire smoke from 'Fields Fire' creates health hazards for Valley air quality

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fields Fire burning in Merced County has exploded in size since flames were first reported Thursday afternoon. Overnight, strong winds fueled rapid fire growth.

"Last night was very challenging with the winds coming from the northwest," said Battalion Chief Robert Carvalho, CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit.

Homeowners quickly reacted to the fast-moving flames.

"The wind was blowing it straight toward us. The grass Came burning really fast," said Merced County resident Derek Minor.

"I took care of my home. The airplanes did a very good job," said Richard, a Merced County resident.

Crews made progress overnight to stop the fire, but it jumped containment Friday afternoon.

"Residents are concerned about little areas that may pop up; they may fear what might happen to their home if they don't get to put it out in time," said Chief Carvalho.

Later that evening, the Merced County Sheriff issued evacuation orders for those living on Merced Falls Road to the county line.

RELATED: Evacuation orders issued as 'Fields Fire' burns in Merced County

"Everything happened within an hour it was gone," said Shiela Pintor who lives in the area near the fire.

The fire, burning in the North Valley, sent ash and smoke across the Valley floor, making for poor air quality Valley residents could smell.

"When you have wildfires, we have PM2.5 particulates and what that means to the public is that there's such tiny particles that they're not visible to the naked eye, but that doesn't mean they don't impact us," said Danny Gonzalez with Valley Air District.

Those microscopic particles can pose serious health risks.

"It can enter our bloodstream and directly to our lungs," said Gonzalez.

Best practices if you see or smell wildfire smoke in your area is to stay indoors.

"Keep those indoor activities inside; wait to hold off cutting your grass, wait for the pool," said Gonzalez.

For news updates, follow Christina Lopez on Facebook, X and Instagram.