Here's Why You Smell Smoke, Orinda

ORINDA, CA — If you’ve noticed the air is particularly smoky in Orinda the past day or so, there’s a reason for it.

Firefighters from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District are conducting a prescribed fire project on Thursday and Friday near Orinda View Road and Happy Valley Road.

The project is part of the maintenance program for the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break and is a collaboration with the Orinda Downs Owners Association to reduce wildfire hazards and improve conditions for native plants and wildlife.

“Residents in the area should consider closing exterior doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering their homes,” the fire district said in a social media post. “Motorists and bicycles on Happy Valley Road should use caution due to limited visibility/smoke and firefighters working in the area.”

The fire district is coordinating the burn with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.