Date

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Air District is issuing a Spare the Air Alert for smoke tomorrow, Monday, October 28, for the entire region. Currently, smoke from the Kincade Fire and other local fires is mostly being pushed over the Pacific Ocean due to strong winds or is aloft over the region – localized impacts closest to the fire continue. However, winds are expected to shift to the northwest starting Monday afternoon and smoke is expected to impact the entire Bay Area, especially the North Bay, San Francisco and the East Bay.

Spare the Air Status

Air quality is expected to be unhealthy Monday due to smoke from the Kincade Fire and potentially other local fires. It is critical that residents follow evacuation orders and instructions from local health officials to protect their health.

Spare the Air Alerts are issued when ozone or particulate matter pollution is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. If the smell of smoke is present or visible, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. If temperatures are too hot indoors, visit an air-cooling center, library, movie theater or other building that provides filtered air. It is also recommended that Bay Area residents set 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 dry 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.

Check here for real-time air quality readings: https://bit.ly/2p7UFgs. To sign up for text alerts, text the word “START” to the number 817-57 or visit www.baaqmd.gov/txtalert.

To find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, residents can register for email AirAlerts at www.sparetheair.org, call 1(800) HELP-AIR, download the Spare the Air App or connect with Spare the Air on Facebook or Twitter.

View press release.

View Wildfire Safety Tips page.

Last Updated: 10/28/2019