Wildfire Smoke Extends Air Quality Advisory Through Tuesday

BAY AREA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended an air quality advisory through Tuesday because of smoke from the Mineral Fire in Fresno County and the Hog Fire in Lassen County.

Winds are forecast to remain onshore across the Bay Area. Smoke will likely remain aloft resulting in smoky and hazy skies, but airborne particulate matter is not expected to exceed the national 24-hour standard, according to the air district, the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

The air district plans to closely monitor air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fire.

"If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure," air district officials said. "If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside."

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses, air district officials said. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing for people with asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).