Bay Area air quality advisory issued due to wildfire smoke

Published: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 5:29 pm

Bay Area Air Quality Advisory Issued Due to Wildfire Smoke

The Bay Area Air District (BAAD) has issued an air quality advisory due to smoke emanating from the Pickett Fire, currently burning near Calistoga. The advisory, released Friday, warns that smoke from the fire is anticipated to affect Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties through Saturday, August 23rd.

Residents can expect to see smoky, hazy skies and may experience the smell of smoke. The BAAD cautions that the intensity and location of smoke at ground level can be unpredictable due to rapidly changing conditions. Individuals can monitor real-time smoke pollution levels using the EPA's Fire and Smoke Map.

The BAAD emphasizes that wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to this smoke, even for brief periods, can pose health risks. The advisory recommends that residents minimize exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed until smoke levels decrease.

To further reduce exposure, the BAAD suggests setting car vent systems to recirculate air and utilizing indoor air filtration systems. Visiting a Clean Air Center is another option.

Wildfire smoke can cause eye and airway irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, scratchy throats, and irritated sinuses. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema, or COPD are particularly vulnerable. The BAAD advises elderly individuals, children, and those with respiratory illnesses to take extra precautions to protect their health.

BNN's Perspective:

The ongoing threat of wildfires and their impact on air quality highlights the need for proactive measures. While the BAAD's advisory provides crucial information and guidance, it also underscores the importance of long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of wildfires, including forest management and improved air quality monitoring.

Keywords: Bay Area, air quality, advisory, wildfire smoke, Pickett Fire, Calistoga, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, EPA, pollution, health, respiratory illnesses, asthma, emphysema, COPD, precautions

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