Smoky skies serve as a reminder of fire danger

To check your local air quality, go to: http://airnow.gov

Low humidity, gusty winds and plenty of dry fuel can be a recipe for catastrophe. On Wednesday, humidity levels will dip down to 5 to 17% with wind gusts of up to 35 mph, says the weather service.

“Fire safety should be exercised to prevent fires,” it adds. “Always have an emergency plan if a fire starts near you.”

All it takes is a spark. A metal blade of a lawnmower or trimmer against a rock can ignite dry grass. A vehicle parked on dry grass or weeds can start a fire, too. So can a chain dragging from the back of a trailer. Use extra caution.

As for the hazy skies, tomatoes, peppers and other ripening vegetables could be dusted with fine particulate matter. Make sure to wash anything you harvest before eating. (No backyard cherry tomato-munching right off the vine.)

Spider mites love these dry, hazy, dusty conditions. Take out the hose and give your tomato vines and rose bushes a morning shower; that will knock mites off and refresh plants.

So far, there hasn’t been enough smoke in our area to worry about smoke taint, the absorption of smoke flavors through the skin of ripening fruit. But that could be an issue for grape and fruit growers closer to the fires in Trinity, Humboldt and Siskiyou.

As we know from fire seasons past, conditions can change dramatically in a hurry. It’s better to be prepared.

For tips: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.