Wildfire Smoke Extends Air Quality Advisory Through Monday In Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — Smoke from wildfires in Northern California and Oregon prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to extend an air quality advisory through Monday for the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Smoke from the Rum Creek Fire in southwest Oregon and the Six Rivers Lightning Complex Fire in northwest California is expected to impact the Bay Area through Monday," air district officials said in a news release. "Smoky, hazy skies will be visible and the smell of smoke is expected to be present within the Bay Area."

Elevated air pollution levels are likely in the Bay Area, according to the air district, the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. However, pollution levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour standard, and a Spare the Air Alert is not in effect.

The air district advised residents to stay inside with windows and doors closed if it smells smoky outside. Residents should also set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from coming inside.

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 people who suffer from asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, air district officials said.

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