Air Quality Advisory Extended In Bay Area Amid NorCal Wildfires

San Francisco CA

15 August, 2021

4:51 PM

Description

BAY AREA, CA — As massive wildfires continue to consume the northern reaches of California, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended its air quality advisory through Monday. Parts of the Bay Area have been shrouded in haze for several consecutive days as smoke traveled from as far away as Southern Oregon. Smoke from fires burning several hours away from the area was expected to settle in the mountainous regions of the North and East Bay mountains and coastal regions down to the Santa Cruz Mountains. A Spare the Air alert was not issued, but the agency urged residents to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed if the smell of smoke is present. Residents also recommended that impacted residents set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. Fine particles found in wood smoke can produce toxins that are harmful to the lungs if inhaled. Anyone who smells smoke or sees ash from a wildfire was advised to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid vigorous physical activity. "Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses," the agency said. "Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD."