Lingering Wildfire Smoke Prompts Another Bay Area Health Advisory, 'Spare The Air' Alert

BAY AREA, CA – With smoke from Northern California wildfires continuing to impact the region, particularly Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has once again issued a health advisory and Spare the Air alert. Both the advisory and alert are in effect through Thursday.

"Although air quality is improving in much of the Bay Area, smoky conditions will persist near and downwind of active wildfires," Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, said in a statement. "While the wildfires are still burning, the public should monitor air quality conditions and avoid outdoor activities if they smell smoke."

Officials recommended Bay Area residents affected by heavy smoke to stay inside buildings with filtered air or leave the area until smoke levels subside. People in fire-impacted counties who must remain in the area are advised to use an N95 mask to help minimize breathing harmful particles in smoke.

Also See: California Wildfire Victims Seek Help After Losing Homes

Airborne ash is expected to impact the fire-ravaged areas for months, according to the air district, which is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area. Temporary monitors have been set up in Cordelia, Napa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Sonoma to measure particulate matter.

The air district is also sending an asbestos team to work with a water, waste and debris team in Sonoma County. As part of this team, asbestos experts will advise on cleanup efforts in fire zones to protect public health and worker safety, according to the air district.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, cause coughing, throat irritation 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.

Click here for real-time air quality readings.

Also see:

• California Wildfires: 42 Now Dead; Weather Helps 10,000 Firefighters; New NorCal And SoCal Fires
• SMART Continues Free Train Service Through Friday
• Marin Firefighters Kickstart Bike Drive For Kids Affected By Wildfires

Photo: The Santa Cruz Mountains are covered in smoke from a wildfire Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, near Boulder Creek, Calif. By Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press