The Bay Area Air District is encouraging residents to prepare now for potential wildfire smoke impacts during the 2026 wildfire season. National and regional fire outlooks indicate near to above-normal wildfire potential across Northern California through much of the summer, driven by dry fuels, developing drought conditions and an active start to the wildfire season that is already impacting parts of the state.

The Air District has released for public comment its latest draft 2026 Air Monitoring Network Plan, which describes the Air District’s regulatory air monitoring network for 2025 and lists proposed changes for the near future.

The Air District is announcing the start of the Spare the Air smog season, beginning Monday, May 4, and continuing through October.

The Air District has fined Valero Refining Company $3.25 million to address 118 air quality violations that stem from multiple incidents and ongoing compliance issues at the Benicia refinery.