SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Spare the Air Alert remains in effect today as smoke from the Woodside Fire continues to degrade air quality across Sonoma and Marin counties, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay indoors when possible and avoid prolonged outdoor activity.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an Air Quality Advisory for Sonoma and Marin counties, warning that smoke from the wildfire could affect air quality throughout the North Bay and other parts of the region through Friday. Wood burning is prohibited during the Spare the Air Alert.
High levels of fine particulate pollution can be harmful, especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory conditions, authorities warned.
Although no fire-related evacuations have been ordered, pools around the area are closing for the day as are other outdoor recreational facilities.
Residents who cannot keep indoor air cool and clean are encouraged to visit a Clean Air Center or another public facility with filtered air such as a library.
Health officials recommend keeping windows and doors closed when smoke levels rise, running air conditioners on recirculate if available, and wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator if extended time outdoors cannot be avoided.
The advisory follows Thursday's fast-moving Woodside Fire, which forced evacuations from Jenner north to Salt Point State Park and closed a stretch of Highway 1 as firefighters battled flames driven by strong coastal winds.
The fire ignited about 1:43 p.m. Thursday near the 24000 block of Highway 1 in the Timber Cove area, north of Jenner and Fort Ross.
Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit said the vegetation fire started at approximately 3 acres before winds rapidly pushed it through dense timber.
Within hours, the blaze expanded from 15 acres to about 100 acres before ultimately reaching approximately 143 acres. As of midnight, firefighters had reached 20% containment. Officials continue investigating the cause.
Authorities closed Highway 1 between Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road and Timber Cove Road to allow fire engines, aircraft, and hand crews to operate safely.
El Molino High School in Forestville was evacuated as residents miles away from the fire reported ash raining down on their homes.
Fire officials said changing winds today could continue to shift smoke across the North Bay through Friday, meaning air quality may vary significantly from one community to another.
Residents can monitor current conditions through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and limit outdoor activity whenever smoke becomes visible or the smell of smoke is strong.
More:
Woodside Fire Forces Evacuations, Air Quality Alert Around North Bay
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Healdsburg Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.