Wildfire Smoke Prompts Health Advisory In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Smoke from wildfires in Northern California prompted Marin Public Health to issue a public health advisory Thursday warning residents who may be affected by or susceptible to the coronavirus to take extra precautions in limiting smoke exposure.

"The overlap of the COVID-19 pandemic with wildfire season complicates our public health response," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's public health officer. "People either at a higher risk of COVID-19 exposures or already affected by the disease may be even more vulnerable if exposed to wildfire smoke."

In addition to the Woodward Fire in coastal West Marin, smoke from a number of other fires in the North Bay and Greater Bay Area is impacting the county.

Also see: Woodward Fire: 1,500 Acres Burned, Structures Threatened In Marin

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air Alert through Sunday and reminded people affected by the smoke to take appropriate health precautions.

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

Children, seniors and people with respiratory illnesses are especially susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

People particularly at risk include those who are immunocompromised or taking drugs that suppress the immune system, as well as those who are infected or recovering from COVID-19. Because of compromised heart and lung function due to COVID-19, they may be at increased risk of health effects from exposure to wildfire smoke.

Residents in communities that are threatened by wildfire should consider COVID-19 protective actions when reviewing safety and evacuation plans, officials said. Evacuees should practice physical distancing, cover coughs, clean hands frequently, and wear face coverings to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Evacuation shelters are being modified to accommodate for physical distancing requirements.