Wine Country Fires Dump Smoke, Ash All Over Bay Area
NAPA (CBS SF) – People throughout the Bay Area reported smoke and ash early Monday morning after multiple out-of-control wildfires broke out in Napa and Sonoma Counties.
Residents were woken up when winds brought the smoke dozens of miles into the East Bay, San Francisco, the Peninsula and the South Bay, prompting many to share their stories on social media.
The smell of smoke was reported from as far away as San Jose, about 70 miles from Napa and 90 miles from Santa Rosa.
A Sunset District resident recorded this video of smoke and ash falling in San Francisco's Sunset District, nearly 50 miles away from Napa.
As day broke, Bay Area residents snapped pictures of the haze.
The reports of smoke prompted San Francisco fire officials to send an early morning tweet that there were no fires burning in the city.
Fire officials in Contra Costa County urged residents not to call 911 unless they see a fire in their area.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory on Monday due to the fires.
On Monday afternoon, the view from the Oakland hills was mostly obscured by haze from the fires.
Bay Area air quality officials said it was thick with particulate matter, which can get deep in the lungs and worsen breathing problems.
"What I would say is if you smell smoke, see smoke, protect yourself," said Bay Area Air District spokesperson Lisa Fasano. "Keep yourself indoors with windows and doors close and try not to do a lot of heavy exercise outdoors when there's smoke present."
Health officials say there's no telling how long the haze will hang around.
"If wind patterns shift, we might see a clearing of our skies but it's really dependent on how long these fires burn and where they're burning," said Fasano.
Officials urged residents to limit outdoor activities and to stay indoors. Air conditioners in homes and vehicles should be set to recirculate to prevent smoky air from moving inside.
Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses should take extra precautions to avoid smoke exposure.
Tim Fang is a digital producer for CBS San Francisco and a native of the Bay Area. Follow him on Twitter @fangtj.
