Air Quality Advisory Extended Until Sunday Due To Wildfire Smoke

PETALUMA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has extended its air quality advisory through Sunday due to active wildfires and changing wind patterns.

Smoke from Northern California and Southern Oregon wildfires is expected to continue to impact the Bay Area over the weekend. Smoke is expected to be mostly aloft with intermittent periods of smoke mixing to the surface, particularly at higher elevation locations in the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills, Diablo Range and Coastal Hills.

Air quality is not expected to exceed the federal health standard and therefore, no Spare the Air Alert is in effect.

According to the district, it will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fires.

If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure, the district warned. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow.

The district also recommends that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.

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 COPD.

Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.