| The Martinez 3 Fire is burning on Tribal Allotment Land. Initial Attack, on October 14, was conducted by Riverside County. The Bureau of Indian Affairs assumed command of the Martinez 3 Incident on the evening of October 17. The fire is burning in thick mulch piles created by vegetation dumping. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted air quality testing. Preliminary results indicated the air quality to be safe and that schools in the area could resume. However, because of dumping, there is no way to ensure, 100%, of the type of burning vegetation. Air quality monitors will be in place for immediate monitoring data, beginning this Friday, October 25. Two air quality inspectors from the South Coast Air Quality Management District were on scene on October 23 to conduct additional testing. The EPA did recommend use of NIOSH approved N95 Particulate Respirators to reduce particulate inhalation, by resources on scene. Currently all resources have been supplied with N95 Particulate Respirators and are utilizing them on the incident. Additionally, 3M Particulate Filters, NIOSH approved for use against certain organic vapors and particles, have been ordered and are expected to arrive October 23 or October 24. This type of filter has at least 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols including oils. These filters will be made available for all resources on the incident. |
