Residents in many parts of Northern California have been dealing with unexpected haze and smoke for several days. The unwelcome (and potentially unhealthy) air conditions are the result of recent wildfires in Northern California and Oregon. Let’s take a look at what’s happening:
As of the morning of Friday, September 22, the Anvil Fire in Oregon was less than 10 percent contained and had burned nearly 20,000 acres. The fire started about eight miles east of Port Orford and continued to spread in the Grassy Knob Wilderness.
Farther south, in California, several large wildfires have been raging for at least the past week, some close to and even spreading over the Oregon border.
As the fires continue, regardless of which way the flames actually spread, conditions change quickly ,and unpredictable air currents carry the smoke over the two states.
See what Northern California residents have been dealing with in this brief news report:
The smoke has caused health concerns, and Urgent Care centers throughout the Bay Area have been busier than ever, with patients dealing with respiratory issues and allergic-type reactions to the smoke. Experts recommend that if you don’t feel well or have any trouble breathing, do not wait to get checked out.
It is recommended that homeowners change the air filters in their homes, especially after there has been an incident of heavy smoke or haze in the area. It is a good idea to change air filters in vehicles as well.
Dangerous air quality alerts were expected to continue at least through Friday, hopefully improving by the end of the weekend.
If you are in the areas affected by smoke and haze from the wildfires in Northern California and Oregon, do your best to protect your respiratory health and consider staying indoors when possible. You can keep an eye on fire conditions on the Cal Fire website and track current air quality on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District website. Stay safe!
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