HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.03.2024 Thompson Fire - Mask Distribution Press ReleaseFrom:Olio, Kristi
To:Bennett, Robin; Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan;
Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Subject:Thompson Fire - Mask Distribution Press Release
Date:Wednesday, July 3, 2024 9:56:18 AM
Attachments:Thompson Fire Mask Press Release.pdf
Good morning Members of the Board,
This press release regarding masking guidance and distribution locations will be sent to the
media here shortly.
Kristi
County Administration Andy Pickett, County Administrator
Meegan Jessee, Assistant County Administrator
25 County Center Drive, Suite 200 T: 530.552.3300
Oroville, California 95965 F: 530.538.7120
Members of the Board
Bill Connelly | Peter Durfee | Tami Ritter | Tod Kimmelshue | Doug Teeter
buttecounty.net/administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2024
CONTACT
Kristi Olio
Butte County PIO
530.280.6820
BUTTE COUNTY TO PROVIDE MASKS TO RESIDENTS IN POOR AIR QUALITY AREA DUE TO
THOMPSON FIRE
Thompson Fire Sparks Requests for Respiratory Protection
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County is offering its residents free N-95 respirator masks to deal with smoke
and worsening air quality caused by the Thompson Fire. The fire, which started Tuesday morning, has been
steadily pushing smoke into Oroville and the surrounding area.
Respirator masks will be available at two locations in Oroville, while supplies last:
x Department of Employment and Social Services, located at 78 Table Mountain Boulevard in Oroville.
x The Oroville Public Safety Facility (Police and Fire), located at 2055 Lincoln Street in Oroville. Masks
will be available in the lobby.
The masks being provided by the County are approved by the EPA, carry an N-95 classification, and are
designed to help protect the lungs from small particles found in wildfire smoke. Please note that a dust mask,
cloth face covering, or medical mask will not filter out smoke or protect the lungs.
N-95 masks are not recommended for children under 2 years of age or for persons with lung and heart
conditions. If you have a chronic health condition, consult your healthcare provider before wearing an N-95
mask.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. Exposure to air
pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose,
trouble breathing, and irritated sinuses.
While all persons may experience varying degrees of symptoms, people at increased risk from smoke
inhalation include:
x Young children
x Older adults
x Pregnant women
x People with chronic respiratory and heart conditions
x People who work outside
x People experiencing homelessness
Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and
treatment.
For more information about local air quality, visit:
x View the current air quality in your location at AirNow.gov/
x View the current fire and smoke map in your location at Fire.AirNow.gov/
###