Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Advisory For Monday In Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — Smoke from a wildfire in Mariposa County prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory for Monday in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Smoke from the Oak Fire in Mariposa County is forecast to be transported into the Bay Area on Monday, however, the smoke is expected to remain aloft," air district officials said in a news release. "Smoky, hazy skies may be visible across the Bay Area and the smell of smoke is possible at higher elevations."

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Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard, according to the air district, the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

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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