​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 due to smoke from wildfires throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Numerous lightning strikes sparked wildfires across the region over the past few days.

"Air quality may deteriorate in areas near or downwind of the fires, but pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour standard," said the air district, the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

Air quality is expected to be in the moderate range, according to the air district, which plans to closely monitor air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fires.

"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 in people who suffer from asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Elderly people, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.