Air quality in Sausalito and other parts of the Bay Area may reach unhealthy levels this weekend due to drift smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County. An Air Quality Advisory is in effect through Monday, November 12.
Friday Nov 16 Update: Due to continued heavy smoke moving into the Bay Area from the Camp Fire in Butte County, the Air District is extending the Winter Spare the Air Alert through Tuesday, November 20 and advises:
The Bay Area is continuing to experience heavy smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County. Air quality continues to be unhealthy through much of the region and these conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday at least. While weather conditions will vary somewhat in the coming days, air quality is expected to remain unhealthy because there is so much smoke trapped at the surface and surrounding the region.
The public should limit outdoor activity as much as possible during this alert, and continue to listen to health information from their local authorities. If air quality is unhealthy in your area, the first and best option is to stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Masks should not be used instead of remaining indoors, but if worn they should be a new, clean N95 mask or greater, securely strapped for a tight seal. Masks are not suitable for men with beards or young children.
From Sausalito Currents: For updated smoke advisories, visit the website of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. For current air quality data, visit AirNow.gov and input your location. For forecasts, Spare the Air maintains a five-day forecast for five reporting zones in the greater Bay Area. Sausalito’s zone is Coast and Central Bay.
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. This smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. If the smell of smoke is present, protect your health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to recirculate the interior air. Elderly persons, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.