Smoke and worsening air quality have been caused by the Thompson Fire. Photo courtesy of CAL FIRE

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - 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 the morning of July 2, has been steadily pushing smoke into Oroville and the surrounding area.

Respirator masks will be available at two locations in Oroville, while supplies last:

Department of Employment and Social Services, located at 78 Table Mountain Blvd. in Oroville

The Oroville Public Safety Facility (Police and Fire), located at 2055 Lincoln St. 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 two 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:

Young children

Older adults

Pregnant women

People with chronic respiratory and heart conditions

People who work outside

People experiencing homelessness

Persons experiencing questionable or severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice and treatment.

For more information about local air quality, visit:

View the current air quality in your location at AirNow.gov

View the current fire and smoke map in your location at Fire.AirNow.gov