Soberanes Fire: Smoke Expected To Drift Into Santa Clara County Over Weekend

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – Smoke from the Soberanes Fire, a 91,000-acre rager burning since July 22, may affect air quality in the Bay Area this weekend, particularly in Santa Clara County, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Light, southerly winds may temporarily transport smoke into Santa Clara County, and air quality is expected to be in the good or low moderate category, the agency said.

The forecast indicates that the Bay Area will not exceed federal health standards for air pollution, BAAQMD said, and any impacts are expected to be localized and minor. However, residents may smell smoke.

As of this morning, the Soberanes Fire has consumed 91,100 acres and is 60 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters at the scene total 1,413 today, and the expected date for full containment is estimated to be the end of September.

In general, Bay Area residents in regions impacted by wildfire smoke are advised:

• If air smells of smoke, limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure
• Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate
• Reduce exposure to smoky air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, if possible
• Go to www.baaqmd.gov to check real-time air quality

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

The Air District said it will continue to monitor smoke impacts and issue additional advisories as conditions warrant.

Also see: 'Bike Angel' Launches Bicycle, Helmet Drive For Clayton Fire Victims

Previous Soberanes Fire coverage:

• Soberanes Fire Day 32: Some Evacuations Lifted; Containment Hopes Are For End Of September
• Day 30 Of Soberanes Fire: Full Containment Now Projected By End Of September [UPDATE]
• Beastly Soberanes Fire Grows Even Larger: Day 29
• Soberanes Fire Update: Bigger Still With 79K Acres Consumed On Day 28
• Soberanes Fire Latest: Day 27 With Scorched Terrain Expanding Overnight By Roughly 700 Acres
• Soberanes Fire Grows To More Than 76K Acres; Hwy 1 Reopens -- For Now
• Soberanes Fire: Hwy 1 Closure Extended
• Hwy 1 Stretch To Close Sunday Due To Soberanes Fire
• Soberanes Fire Day 21: Possible Closure Of Hwy 1 Looms [UPDATE]
• Soberanes Fire Day 20: Containment Holding Steady At 50%
• Soberanes Fire Day 19: Burned Acreage Grows Overnight; Containment Advances To 50% [UPDATE]
• Nestless and Rescued: Firefighter Uses Coffee Cup To Save Baby Bird From Smoky Soberanes Fire
• Clint Eastwood Visits Firefighters Battling Soberanes Fire
• Two Injured in Massive Soberanes Fire

--Image via Santa Cruz Fire Department on Aug. 11: "One of our firefighters on fire watch at the Soberanes Fire."