Oregon Fires Causing Hazy Bay Area Skies and Poor Air Quality

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued this press release Monday afternoon advising people to take precautions to protect their health.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Bay Area Air Quality Management is issuing a health advisory to Bay Area residents this afternoon due to wildfire smoke from fires currently burning in Southern Oregon.

Air quality throughout much of the Bay Area is forecast to reach unhealthy levels today due to elevated particulate levels from the wildfires. Particulate levels are forecast to be elevated tomorrow, but not reach unhealthy levels. The Coast and Central Bay are expected to experience the highest levels as the smoke moves along the California coastline and is drawn into the Bay Area from onshore winds.

Bay Area residents are advised to:

• Go to www.baaqmd.gov or www.sparetheair.org to check real-time air quality;
• Reduce exposure to smoky air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed;
• Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate;
• If air smells of smoke, limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure;
• If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
• If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger asthma attacks, in those who suffer from asthma. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

The Air District will continue to monitor smoke impacts and issue additional advisories as conditions warrant. A Spare the Air advisory is not in effect and no burn ban is in place.

For more information about smoke impacts please visit www.sparetheair.org or www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/.