Air quality advisory for wildfire smoke extended through Saturday

Smoke from the August Complex Fire is expected to drift southward into the Bay Area, impacting parts of the East Bay, causing smoky and hazy skies through Saturday. Air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range and is not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard through Saturday. The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fires.

If smoke reaches unhealthy levels, 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 temperatures allow. If temperatures are too hot indoors, visit an air-cooling center or other building that provides filtered air. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their 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 the Air District's Current Air Quality page for real-time air quality readings.

View press release(199 Kb PDF, 1 pg, posted 25/09/2020).

View Wildfire Safety web page.