Smoke From Wildfires Still Affecting Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Smoke from wildfires in Northern California and Oregon will likely impact the air quality in Marin County and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area through the Labor Day weekend, according the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

"Smoke impacts can be seen throughout the Bay Area and levels of fine particulate pollution may exceed national health standards," air quality officials warned in a statement. "The Bay Area is also expected to exceed national health standards for ozone, prompting a Spare the Air Alert in addition to a smoke advisory."

Smoke will stay in place through Saturday and potentially through the weekend prompting a smoke advisory, according to air quality officials. Because the Bay Area is expected to exceed national health standards for ozone, a third consecutive Spare the Air smog alert has also been called for Saturday for the region.

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Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, scratchy throats and irritated sinuses. It can trigger wheezing in people with asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, air quality officials said. The elderly, children and people with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

Bay Area residents are advised to limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure if they smell smoke, and set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Residents are also advised to reduce exposure to smoky air by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, if possible, according to the district. People who cannot should seek out local cooling centers.

Also see:

Red Flag Warning Issued For Marin County

Third Consecutive 'Spare The Air' Alert Called For Saturday

Image via Marin County Fire Department