Air quality advisory issued in East Bay for Little Fire

(KRON) — The Bay Area Air District has issued an air quality advisory for parts of the East Bay due to wildfire smoke from Tuesday’s blaze in Sunol named the “Little Fire,” which has torched up to 950 acres with 10% containment so far.

The blaze, burning south of Pleasanton, broke out just before 3:40 p.m. near Vallecitos and Little Valley roads and is spreading east at a moderate rate of speed, according to Cal Fire.

“Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict,” said the Bay Area Air District in a news release. “Smoky, hazy skies may be visible, the smell of smoke is possible, and air quality may become unhealthy on Tuesday.”

Residents can check real-time smoke pollution levels in their area by visiting this interactive U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map. 

Bay Area Air District added, “Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. ”

The Air District urges residents to do the following to protect their health by avoiding exposure.

• If possible, and temperatures allow, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Residents can also reduce their exposure to smoke by setting their car vent systems to recirculate, to prevent outside air from moving inside. The use of indoor air filtration or going to a Clean Air Center or other location with filtered air, such as a library or mall, can also help reduce smoke exposure.

The Air District says it will continue monitoring air quality and smoke impacts throughout the region.

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