Current:Home > ScamsThese parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke -Infinite Edge Capital
These parts of California are suffering from poor air quality from wildfire smoke
View
Date:2025-04-14 04:41:41
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! (449)
Related
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Former Los Angeles council member sentenced to 13 years in prison for pay-to-play corruption scandal
- Protesting farmers heap pressure on new French prime minister ahead of hotly anticipated measures
- Winter Skincare From Kiehl's, Peter Thomas Roth & More That'll Bless Your Dry Skin From Head to Toe
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Guantanamo panel recommends 23-year sentences for 2 in connection with 2002 Bali attacks
- NASA retires Ingenuity, the little helicopter that made history on Mars
- Death of woman who ate mislabeled cookie from Stew Leonard's called 100% preventable and avoidable
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Here's why employees should think about their email signature
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Egyptian soccer officials sacrifice cow for better fortune at Africa Cup
- Justin Timberlake announces The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, his first tour in 5 years
- New York City woman charged after human head, body parts found in her refrigerator
- Average rate on 30
- North Carolina state workers’ health plan ending coverage for certain weight-loss drugs
- A private prison health care company accused of substandard care is awarded new contract in Illinois
- Houthis, defying U.S. strikes, attempt another attack on U.S.-owned commercial ship
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Britain’s post-Brexit trade talks with Canada break down as they disagree over beef and cheese
Greta Gerwig deserves more than an Oscar for portrayal of motherhood in 'Barbie'
Other passengers support man who opened emergency exit, walked on wing of plane in Mexico airport
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Pregnant Jenna Dewan Showcases Baby Bump in Lace Dress During Date Night With Fiancé Steve Kazee
New Mexico lawmakers don’t get a salary. Some say it’s time for a paycheck
Golf phenom Nick Dunlap talks about going pro: It was the easiest, hardest decision I've ever had to make