The Bay Area Quality Management District extended a Spare the Air alert through Tuesday, marking a dubious record of 15 consecutive days under the air quality alert, the agency said.
The extension of the alert came as smoke from the various fires burning across the Bay Area continue causing elevated levels of smoke pollution.
According to the agency, it is illegal to use fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits or any other wood-burning devices during the alert.
“Unfortunately, over the next several days we’re expecting more of the same smoky conditions we’ve been experiencing from the wildfires that continue to burn in the region,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District.
“As climate change makes wildfire season a ‘new normal’ in California, it’s important that we all track our local air quality conditions and stay indoors, when necessary, to reduce smoke exposure.”
There were stunning sunsets in west Marin Monday courtesy of the smoke from the Woodward Fire burning in the Point Reyes National Seashore. But for the past several days that smoke has not been a welcome sight for folks in places like Novato, and along Lucas Valley Road.
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“It’s so bad, even without COVID, you still need to wear a mask,” said Coralie Wickens from San Rafael.
Wickens is not just concerned about the impact on humans. She’s got a horse named Giro who is not feeling good about the bad air.
“He’s not behaving as usual,” she said. “Like he doesn’t wanna do things or he’ll be rearing and bucking.”
And according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Wickens and Giro should get ready for more of the same.
“Our Spare the Air alert for tomorrow will be 15 days in a row that breaks our records for the Bay Area,” said Aason Richardson from the Air Quality Management District.
The Woodward Fire as of tonight has burned 4400 Acres and is just 17% contained.
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