Smoke from wildfires raging in Northern California is expected to impact the region Friday, prompting the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory.
“Hazy skies may be visible and the smell of smoke is possible in parts of the Bay Area, particularly at higher elevations and in the North Bay on Friday,” the air district said.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and other harmful pollutants, and exposure to them is harmful to health, even for short periods of time, according to the air district.
Residents are urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed until smoke levels decrease.
As of Thursday night, Cal Fire was battling 26 wildfires across the state, 11 of which have burned more than 1,000 acres. Several of them are in Northern California.
Among those fires is the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County. The fire, which started July 3 in Greenview, is now 15,460 acres and 18% contained, Cal Fire said in an update.
The fire threatens 1,112 buildings. Half a dozen firefighters have been injured in the line of duty.
“This evening, crews continue to work to reinforce containment and control lines,” Cal Fire reported.
In Humboldt County, the Hill Fire, which has burned 4,261 acres, was at 0% containment Thursday night. The fire broke out Tuesday south of the Willow Creek community.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for both fires, according to Cal Fire.
The 3-6 Rim Fire in Lassen County is 1,025 acres and 50 percent contained, Cal Fire reported. Lightning is the cause of the fire, which started July 13 on Loomis Cabin Road, east of the unincorporated community of Little Valley.
The air quality warning coincides with a new heat wave. Temperatures in the East Bay and North Bay could reach triple digits on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Check back for updates.
