Beginning late Tuesday, Sept. 19, fires in Oregon and Northwest California have resulted in smoky air drifting into the Bay Area. This smoke is causing the Bay Area skies to appear hazy and reducing air quality into the unhealthy range for residents.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory beginning Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday. The advisory stated the smoke from the fires is expected to adversely impact air quality, causing it to reach high to moderate levels on the United States Environmental Protection Agency Index. The advisory explains pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air Alert in effect for Wednesday, Sept. 20, and Thursday, Sept. 21. On days when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect due to high levels of fine particle pollution, it is illegal to burn wood, fire logs, pellets, or other solid fuels in fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits, and other wood-burning devices.

According to AirNow.gov, the federal website managed by the EPA, the current Air Quality Index in Mountain View is 134 or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Unhealthy or sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens. Those who fit in that category are encouraged to take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollutants including:

• Performing less strenuous outdoor activities.
• Spending less time outdoors.
• Wait to be active outdoors until the air quality improves.

Everyone else who does not fall under the category of Unhealthy or Sensitive is encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities. The AirNow.gov air quality forecast is expected to improve this Friday, Sept. 22.

Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Media Contact
Robert Maitland, Fire Department PIO
650-903-6825 or robert.maitland@mountainview.gov