Current:Home > MyThese parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke -TrueNorth Capital Hub
These parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke
View
Date:2025-04-15 18:29:53
A smoky haze is currently blanketing the San Francisco Bay Area due to wildfires burning in the northwest, creating unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
The smoke stemming from multiple wildfires that continue to burn in rural areas of Northwestern California is getting pushed southward across parts of Northern California, including the Bay Area. Much of the smoke and haze is located in the upper atmosphere.
MORE: Wildfires in recent years have reversed some of the progress made in eliminating air pollution, new study suggests
Fire officials are letting them burn out since they are not threatening people or property.
The smoke was so thick on Wednesday that the San Francisco Bay Bridge was barely visible from the coastlines along the bay and the San Francisco skyline was barely visible across the bay from the Port of Oakland, ABC San Francisco station KGO reported.
The Air Quality Index for San Francisco on Wednesday afternoon was at 113, or "Code Orange," signifying unhealthy air pollution levels for sensitive groups.
Much of the smoke and haze is located in the upper atmosphere. The National Weather Service has not issued any air quality alerts for the region, but the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a "Spare the Air" alert through Thursday, which bans burning wood, fire logs or other solid fuel to prevent from further contributing to the poor air quality.
MORE: New app will allow New Yorkers to avoid commuting through the poorest air quality
A fire weather watch was in effect for much of Wednesday for the North Bay Hills and Solano County due to gusty winds and low humidity. Red flag warnings were also issued for portions of Napa County, according to the NWS.
San Francisco resident Sarah Ryherd told KGO that it smells like a campfire around the city.
Another resident told the station that they had put a mask on after he began to feel the effects of the air pollution in their throat.
Some schools in the region canceled sports activities due to the smoke, KGO reported. The fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, contained in wildfire smoke can cause serious health problems if inhaled, especially for vulnerable populations, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MORE: HSmoke blankets San Francisco as residents forced to don masks to breathe
Air quality will likely not improve in the region until Friday, said KGO meteorologist Lisa Argen.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.
veryGood! (8666)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- T-Boz of TLC says she's 'on the mend' following medical scare that left shows canceled
- Lea Michele gives birth to baby No. 2 with husband Zandy Reich: 'Our hearts are so full'
- US agency to reexamine permit for Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant in Georgia
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- MLB power rankings: Dodgers back on top with Shohei Ohtani's 40-40 heroics
- NFL preseason winners, losers: Trey Lance remains a puzzle for Cowboys
- Trump would veto legislation establishing a federal abortion ban, Vance says
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Alabama high school football player dies after suffering injury during game
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Dr. Anthony Fauci recovering after hospitalization from West Nile virus
- Washington Commanders will replace criticized Sean Taylor installation with statue
- Sierra Nevada mountains see dusting of snow in August
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Traveling over Labor Day weekend? Have a back-up plan for cancellations and delays, and be patient
- US District Court Throws Out Federal Agency’s Assessment Allowing More Drilling for Fossil Fuels in the Gulf of Mexico
- Police investigate deaths of 5 people in New York City suburb
Recommendation
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Yes, petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer, but beware before you use it on your face
Judge to hear arguments over whether to dismiss Arizona’s fake elector case
Matthew Stafford's Wife Kelly Stafford Shares Her Advice for Taylor Swift and Fellow Football Wives
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
Hurricane Hone sweeps past Hawaii, dumping enough rain to ease wildfire fears
Georgia sheriff's deputy dies days after he was shot during search, sheriff's office says
8 wounded in shootout involving police and several people in Pennsylvania