The Bay Area is currently under an air quality advisory as wildfire smoke drifts down from Canada, bringing with it the potential for harmful pollutants in our regional atmosphere. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) issued the advisory for today and tomorrow, following reports of wildfire activity across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba that is now having a tangible impact on our air quality.
While the skies over the Bay may appear smeared with strokes of gray and brown, and the scent of burning wood might catch in more than a few throats, residents are advised that this is not the time to shrug off the unusual haze. The BAAQMD warns, as per the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, "wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time."
Given the current conditions, individuals are urged to limit their exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed whenever possible. The BAAQMD recommends using air filtration devices and recirculating air in vehicles to avoid drawing in more smoke-laden air from the outside. Bay Area residents can also seek sanctuary in so-called Clean Air Centers or public spaces that provide filtered air, like public libraries or shopping malls. For those needing to track the smoke influx in real-time, the district advises checking the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map for localized updates on the pervasive smoke.
