SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — An air quality advisory has been issued for Tuesday due to smoke from the Point Fire, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Smoke from the fire, according to the BAAQMD, is expected to continue to impact Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties Tuesday.
“Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict,” the BAAQMD said.
Smoke from the fire could result in smoky, hazy skies with the smell of smoke possible. Air quality Monday into Tuesday could be in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on the air quality index for parts of the North Bay.
“Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants,” the BAAQMD said. “Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time.”
The agency recommends that residents limit exposure. If possible, residents should remain inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Air conditioning and car vent systems should be set to re-circulate to prevent outside air from getting inside.
Wildfire smoke can cause irritation to eyes and airways, resulting in coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses, the BAAQMD said. The agency recommends that elderly people, children and those with respiratory illnesses take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
On Monday, the BAAQMD rolled out a new notification service, allowing people to sign up for email and text notifications about air quality incidents.
A Spare the Air alert is already in effect for Monday due to smoke from the Point Fire which erupted in northern Sonoma County Sunday.
