Air Quality Index

Mariposa County Smoke Related Air Quality Index (AQI)


Viewing Air Quality

There are currently a few prescribed fires occuring in the area. However, the smoke generated by these fires is not creating adverse smoke impacts; therefore, no update is planned.

You can view current air quality around Mariposa County by visiting PurpleAir (website). The Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District is working with the Mariposa County Unified School District to install Purple Air Sensors at all school sites. These sensors are an indicator of air quality status but they are not as accurate as the emergency response monitors we use during a local fire.

Persons with health conditions that are affected by smoke should consider relocating to a smoke free area when smoke is present

More Information

For additional information on air quality you can visit the AirNow (website).

AQI Defined
  • Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside it’s probably not a good time to go for a run. And it’s probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.
  • If you have a heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether, and when, you should leave the area.
  • If you decide to remain:
    • Consider staying indoors to avoid breathing the smoke particles.
    • Run your air conditioner, if you have one.
    • Keep the fresh air intake closed, and the filters clean, to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: if you don’t have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelters.
    • A swamp cooler will not provide this protection, and will pull in the smoky air from outside.
    • “Masks” (especially surgical masks or wet bandanas) will not protect your lungs. If the smoke is that irritating to you, the best option is to remain indoors or temporarily re-locate.