Smog, Smoke, Heat Trigger Spare The Air Alert For Monday

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A Spare the Air smog alert has been issued for Monday due to unhealthy levels of smog and smoke in the air, and residents are being advised both to limit their exposure to the unhealthy conditions and avoid making them worse.

Particulate pollution from wildfires around Northern California increased on Saturday, and high levels were found throughout the Bay Area Sunday morning. Air quality is also being adversely affected by unhealthy levels of smog, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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"The Bay Area is experiencing serious air pollution due to the fires and smog," Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District, said in a statement. "It's important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding outdoor activities and avoid polluting more by not mowing lawns, using BBQ lighter fluid or driving alone."

Area residents are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to unhealthy air conditions by limiting outdoor activities, setting air-conditioners to re-circulate air when possible, and remain indoors with doors and windows closed, according to district officials.

Bay Area residents are also encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take public transit - rather than driving alone - as a way of reducing air pollution, according to district officials.

Air pollution levels are expected to remain high through the rest of the day, and may not get better until Monday. This marks the district's fourth Spare the Air Smog Alert so far in 2015.

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