What's Making San Francisco Smell Like Campfire Smoke Right Now?
Due to smoke from wildfires further north in California and Oregon entering the region on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an advisory regarding the air quality for both days.
Although air district officials warned that hazy or smoky skies and the smell of smoke are probable in some areas of the Bay Area, the wildfire smoke is not anticipated to surpass national health standards or cause a Spare the Air alert.
By early afternoon, the Bay Area was covered in a thick haze of smoke, and locals could smell and feel the effects of the poor air quality.
The air district advises anyone who smells smoke to stay inside with the windows and doors closed and to turn the air conditioners and car vent systems to recirculate to prevent outside air from entering the building.
Health Advisory Has Been Issued
Sonoma County went so far as to issue a health advisory for Tuesday, September 19, to Wednesday, September 20, due to the smoke's poor air quality.
According to county officials, the air quality is predicted to be at a moderate level over the following two days.?"The smoke may hurt certain people's health. Members of vulnerable groups "may experience more severe effects," the alert warned.?
"Avoid extended outdoor exercise if you have a heart condition, are pregnant, have a child, or have a respiratory condition.?
Everyone else should avoid excessive outdoor activity, especially kids. When engaging in outdoor activities, take extra pauses.
Residents were instructed to stay put if at all possible and to turn air conditioners and car vent systems back on to prevent outside air from entering.? ?
The National Weather Service's Bay Area branch warned that the smoke might remain for several days.
Similar advice was given to locals in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon, advising individuals who are sensitive to smoke to consider changing any outdoor plans.
This Is What?Paul Heggen Observed
KPIX Chief Meteorologist Paul Heggen observed that the BAAQMD had yet to issue a Spare the Air notice despite the extremely poor air quality detected in San Francisco.?
Although a wildfire smoke air quality alert was issued through Wednesday, the BAAQMD website states, "Pollutant levels are NOT expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard, and there is no Spare the Air Alert in effect."
According to the air district, the smoke is coming from several fires, many of which were ignited by lightning in August in far northern California and southern Oregon.?According to McCorkle, radar indicated that the Redwood and SRF Lightning Complexes, which span Del Norte and Humboldt counties, were the major sources of the smoke.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it has burned 27,573 acres and is at 7% containment. According to the air district, smoke from the Oregon-based Anvil Fire is also blowing into California.
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