Smoke From SF Fire Causes Air Quality Concerns In East Bay Area

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Smoke from a large fire in San Francisco has made its way over to the East Bay area, as local officials assure residents there are no active fires in the area.

Walnut Creek Police confirmed Tuesday afternoon on Facebook there was no fire in the area, despite heavy smoke in the air.

There were also reports of the smoke drifting over the Concord area.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District also issued an air quality advisory in both the East Bay and San Francisco areas, encouraging residents to stay inside with their windows and doors closed if they smell smoke. Those who have respiratory illnesses or are vulnerable to high air pollution levels are advised to take precautions as well.

According to officials, surface winds were expected to remain onshore across the Bay Area throughout the day, although the impacts of the smoke were likely to improve as the day wore on.

Officials said smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Smoke in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. The elderly and children are particularly susceptible, officials said.

More than 160 firefighters battled a blaze in the South of Market (SOMA) area of San Francisco on Tuesday in the area of 13th Street and S. Van Ness Avenue, according to the San Francisco Fire Department Twitter account.

The large fire sent plumes of black smoke into the sky as it raged close to the highway. Travelers were advised to avoid entering the city via the Bay Bridge.

Six commercial buildings were impacted by the fire over two city blocks, including a roofing company according to Deputy Fire Chief Victor Wyrsch.

A fire chief was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with moderate injuries after being hit on the head, Wyrsch said.

According to fire officials, police evacuated nearby homes on 14th Street as three buildings caught fire.

San Francisco EMS set up a patient treatment area on S. Van Ness Avenue and Erie Street, according to fire officials.