It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health, especially in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. If possible, it is recommended that residents impacted by heavy smoke seek shelter in buildings with filtered air OR move outside the smoke impacted area until smoke levels subside.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a 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://go.usa.gov/xnxJE.

There is a chance for rain to develop across the Bay Area later this week, especially over the North Bay, which will help reduce smoke fine particle pollution.

Temporary PM2.5 monitors are set up in Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Napa and Cordelia. Data can been viewed at AirNow wildfire website: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires.

Airborne ash will further impact fire ravaged areas for many months. Please refer to all health advisories issued in disaster recovery areas when re-entering burn zones.

View press release(144 Kb PDF, 1 pg, posted 10/16/17).