STOCKTON, CA – San Joaquin County officials are urging residents to take precautions as the fire at the Medline Industries facility continues to burn, generating significant amounts of black smoke that may affect nearby communities.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the firefighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency managers, public health officials, and all of the agencies working around the clock to respond to this incident. Their professionalism and coordinated efforts have prevented a much larger disaster and continue to protect our community. Protecting the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. We will continue working closely with local, state, and regional partners to monitor conditions, provide timely information, and ensure the resources necessary to support this response remain available,” commented District Five Supervisor Robert Rickman.

While fire personnel remain actively engaged in suppression efforts, smoke from structural fires can contain a mixture of gases and fine particles that may pose health risks, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.

“Among the chemicals that were consumed in the Medline fire were an assortment of respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens, and at least one neurotoxin,” said Dr. Maggie Park, Public Health Officer, San Joaquin County Public Health Services. “If anyone in the vicinity of the smoke plumes inhaled the smoke and is experiencing sudden onset respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or throat irritation, they should report to their nearest emergency department for further evaluation and treatment.”

Community members, especially older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions are encouraged to take the following precautions if they are in areas affected by smoke:

• Stay indoors and limit outdoor activity.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use air conditioning in recirculation mode, if available.
• Bring pets indoors.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
• Monitor local air quality conditions and forecasts.
• Seek medical attention if having trouble breathing, chest pain, or other serious symptoms.

The County Emergency Operations Center is activated and monitoring the situation and facilitating resource coordination, situational awareness, public information, and interagency communication. County departments are working alongside fire agencies and partner organizations to assess potential community impacts and address emerging needs.

Environmental and air quality monitoring efforts are ongoing, and the San Joaquin Valley Air District continues to provide updates and guidance for communities that may be affected by smoke. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communication channels and to monitor current air quality conditions through AirNow.gov.

San Joaquin County will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

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