Local Bay Area Wildfire Resources

A Spare the Air Alert was issued due to the active wildfires throughout the Bay Area. Seniors, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure. Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who have asthma, emphysema, or COPD.

If the smell of smoke is present or visible, it is crucial you protect your health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. It is also recommended you set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.

According to Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District, “Multiple wildfires inside and outside of the Bay Area are creating an unhealthy breathing environment. With the added risk of COVID-19 on respiratory health, it’s crucial that we all do our part to reduce air pollution and take precautions to reduce exposure.”

RESOURCES

Spare the Air Alerts: https://www.sparetheair.org/ CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/ Santa Clara AlertSCC: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oes/alertscc/Pages/home.aspx San Mateo County Alert System Notifications: https://hsd.smcsheriff.com/smcalert Alameda County: https://www.acgov.org/emergencysite/ Contra Costa County: https://cwsalerts.com/

ACTIVE LOCAL FIRES

CZU Lighting Complex Fire: Affecting parts of Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties Fire Information Line: (831) 335-6717 Evacuation Centers: Pescadero High School, 360 Butano Cuttoff Road in Pescadero; Santa Cruz County Fairground, 2601 E. Lake Ave. in Watsonville; Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St. in Santa Cruz

SCU Lightning Complex: Affecting parts of Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara Counties Fire Hotline: (669) 247-7431 Evacuation Center Santa Clara County: Milpitas Library at 160 N. Main St. in Milpitas