Date

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Air District is issuing another Spare the Air Alert for smoke tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30, for the entire region. While good air quality is expected through the region late today through tomorrow morning, air quality is expected to degrade again tomorrow afternoon as winds decrease and smoke drains south into the Bay Area. Strong winds through Wednesday afternoon may also cause growth of the Kincade Fire and new local fires with additional smoke impacts.

Spare the Air Status

Most of the Bay Area should experience a brief respite from the smoke until Wednesday afternoon but weather patterns will likely bring smoke back into the region Wednesday night. The Kincade Fire and other local fires have generated a lot of smoke that will linger and may continue to move throughout the region for days to come.

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, 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 indoor air quality is compromised, an air-cooling center, library, movie theater or other building that has filtered air can provide relief from the smoke. 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: 10/29/2019