Wildfire smoke from Garnet Fire impacting air quality on the valley floor

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With smoke from the Garnet Fire settling into the Valley floor, local allergy doctors say they are already seeing an uptick in patients.

"I've been seeing more patients complaining from difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, runny nose, throat issues and it's because of the smoke in the air," said Dr. Buddiga, a local allergist.

Patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma are at higher risk, doctors warn.

Staying indoors and wearing an N95 mask outdoors can help reduce exposure to particulate matter, which can aggravate medical conditions.

Doctors also stress the importance of knowing when to seek medical help.

"If they have wheezing, they have throat issues and they are having tightness in the chest, they should immediately seek care," Buddiga said.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District tracks air quality daily. Currently, the air quality remains at a moderate level, but that can change quickly.

"Don't wait for it to be smoky outside and hard to breathe to get your home ready and yourself ready," said Heather Heinks with the air district. "Consider an indoor purifier. If you don't have the funds to buy a $100 to $150 one, get a box fan and place a filter over it."

People are encouraged to create a clean-air room and avoid activities that increase indoor particulates, such as lighting candles or vacuuming.

"Think about the environment you're going to be in," Heinks said. "If you're in your house, have you changed the HVAC filter? If you're in your car, have you changed the cabin filter? Have you checked with your child's school to see if they have filters?"

The air district says smoke could linger for several more days, or even more than a week, depending on when the fire is contained.

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