Smoke from wildfires in the northern Sacramento Valley may bring hazy skies and unhealthy air quality to the Bay Area on Saturday, the Bay Area Air District said in an advisory. Smoke from the Butler fire in Siskiyou County and the Green fire in Shasta County is moving down the Sacramento Valley, the district said. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods, the district said. Bay Area residents were urged to stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke subsides.
Older adults, children and people with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure, the district said. Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or a long-term lung disease commonly known as COPD. Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and therefore, no Spare the Air Alert is in effect, the district said.