Mosquito Fire smoke returns to Carson Valley

Air quality started to degrade in Carson Valley as smoke drifted south from Reno.

As of 11 a.m., the air quality index for Minden was at 128 going from good, right past moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Conditions further north were unhealthy and very unhealthy for the last two days, but the weather patterns spared Carson Valley for a short time.

Most of the smoke is coming from the Mosquito Fire burning up the Sierra across a 24-mile front.

The fire grew 5,000 acres on Wednesday to about 63,000 acres. The Fire Information for Resource Management System web site indicated a region of more than 75,000 acres is affected by the fire.

All of Western Nevada and eastern California is affected by the smoke, which forecasters expect to continue to produce unhealthy to hazardous air quality.

“The next wave of smoke is projected to push into the region this afternoon and evening, with the latest smoke simulations spreading smoke across much of Western Nevada, the Tahoe Basin and portions of the eastern Sierra by late tonight into early Friday,” forecasters said. “Expect additional reductions to air quality and visibility.”

If the smoke lingers or increases on Friday afternoon, it could affect the homecoming game in Minden.

For more information visit fire.airnow.gov.