Ash and smoke from the devastating Dixie Fire polluted the Lake Tahoe air on Friday, causing the normally picturesque region to experience some of the worst air quality on the planet.
The usual pristine blue skies and fresh air of the Tahoe Basin were filled with hazy and toxic smoke, hindering much of the region’s visibility.
Pictured below is a photo taken on Friday of the visibility at Olympic Valley in Tahoe, contrasted with another photo from the exact same spot taken just over one month ago on July 3.
Photo of the hazy air at Olympic Valley in Lake Tahoe on August 6.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
Olympic Valley in Lake Tahoe on July 3.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
Air quality throughout most of the Tahoe-Truckee area fluctuated between the very unhealthy and hazardous categories, considered the two most dangerous levels in the air quality index, according to Purple Air’s map.
The region’s air quality readings were among the worst in the world.
Very unhealthy air causes an increased risk in health effects for everyone, while hazardous air means that everybody is likely to be affected by the air quality, the government's air quality website stated.
The Dixie Fire exploded in size earlier this week as it continued to ravage through Plumas and Butte Counties. Strong winds on Thursday pushed south the heavy smoke emitted by the flames, resulting in the gloomy and toxic air which enveloped Lake Tahoe the next day.
The Dixie Fire is the third largest in California history, burning more than 400,000 acres and incinerating the small community of Greenville. The blaze was at 35% containment as of Friday morning.
Photo of the hazy air at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
Photo of the hazy air at Olympic Valley in Lake Tahoe.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
Photo of the hazy air at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
Photo of the hazy air at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe.Mark Seelig/KCBS Radio
