Happy Camp, Calif. — More smoky skies tonight for people who live in Happy Camp.
The 105,000 acre “Happy Camp Complex” has choked the community for nearly a month, putting people’s health at risk.
Yesterday was the first clear day Happy Camp residents saw in weeks. Resident Flo Lopez said the blue skies were more than welcomed. She is still recovering from an illness brought on by the smoke.
“My arms hurt. I felt like I had the flu actually. My stomach hurt and I felt horrible,” Lopez said.
She said Sunday was the worst day and that her whole home was filled with smoke.
Last month the Karuk Tribe even issued a smoke emergency doing everything they could to protect the residents.
Chairman Russell Attebery said the tribe set up a Clean Air Center at their Senior Nutrition Building and ordered over 440 air purifiers to give to homeowners in Happy Camp and surrounding towns.
“It was a get them out as fast as you can situation,” Attebery said.
Lopez is the safety officer for the tribe and is delivering the purifiers.
She said she’s given away nearly 200 of them in Happy Camp. And when she knocks on someone’s door with a solution to their smoky home they’re thankful.
The air purifiers were paid for with a grant from FEMA. The town still has 200 on hand for pick up or delivery.
Anyone interested in getting a air purifier should contact the Tribal Clinics at:
Yreka 530-842-9200
Happy Camp 530-493-5257
Orleans 530-627-3452
Attebery said the people most susceptible to a smoke related illness are elders, children, and people with chronic health issues that are brought on by smoke inhalation.
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