Smoke from a controlled burn near Calaveras Big Trees State Park is affecting air quality in Western Nevada, with a reading of 188 on the air quality gauge at Genoa indicating unhealthy levels. Visibility at Minden-Tahoe Airport dropped to 1.75 miles due to smoke drifting from South Lake Tahoe into western Carson Valley. The National Weather Service reported that the smoke was from a prescribed burn on the west slopes of the Sierra near Big Trees, but it was expected to disperse with breezy south winds. California State Parks, along with CalFire and the U.S. Forest Service, are conducting a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in the South Grove area of the park.
The smoke from the fire also affected the Kirkwood area, leading to unhealthy air quality levels, and continued into South Lake Tahoe. However, the air quality sensor in Ranchos Aspen Park indicated moderate air quality. Despite the temporary decrease in air quality, authorities are hopeful that the smoke will disperse as the evening progresses due to the windy conditions ahead of a frontal system. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors if possible and limit outdoor activities until the air quality improves.
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