Air Quality Advisory Issued For Wildfire Smoke Through Sunday

An air quality advisory has been issued through this evening due to smoke from an Oregon wildfire, the Bay Area Air District said. Smoke from the Moon Complex fire in southwestern Oregon, drifting southward offshore, has mixed with the marine layer that is moving onshore over the Bay Area, the district said. “Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict,” the district said in a press release. “Smoky, hazy skies may be visible, and the smell of smoke is possible.” Wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods, because it contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, the district said. Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. The district urged Bay Area residents to stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Car vent systems should be set to recirculate to prevent outside air from entering. 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.