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Air Quality Advisory Issued In Bay Area Due To Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from the 2,500-acre Timber Fire burning in Big Sur could worsen air quality in parts of the South and East bays, officials said.
BAY AREA — The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory in the Bay Area due to smoke from the 2500-acre Timber Fire burning near Big Sur.
“Smoke from the Timber Fire may impact portions of the South Bay and East Bay,” the agency said in a statement. “Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict.”
The agency said that smoky, hazy skies and the smell of smoke may affect areas in the South and East bays. They also said that pollution levels are not expected to exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 24-hour health standards, and the EPA’s AirNow map shows “Good” air quality throughout San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the northwestern part of the East Bay, and “Moderate” air quality around the South Bay and inland East Bay.
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Still, air quality could become unhealthy as smoke conditions change, BAAD said. Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter and other pollutants that irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing or irritated sinuses. Older adults, children, and people with respiratory illnesses should take extra precautions.
The Timber Fire, which erupted on Sunday, has burned nearly 2,500 acres and was five percent contained, according to Cal Fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, 259 structures were threatened by the blaze Cal Fire reported.
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The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office cautioned residents and visitors that conditions could change quickly and urged the public to stay away from the affected area.
The sheriff's office warned that roadways need to remain clear for emergency crews. The agency also said unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone could create additional hazards and hinder firefighting operations.
As of Tuesday afternoon, mandatory evacuation orders are in place for several zones, and all state parks in the Big Sur area have been shut down.
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