Fires from far and near bringing hazy skies over East Bay on Monday

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 11, 2022) —Smoke from the Marsh Fire smoldering in Pittsburg, along with a heavy marine layer, caused hazy conditions across the East Bay on Monday.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District remains on the scene monitoring for flare ups. No structures are threatened and no evacuations are expected. Crews stopped forward progress of the fire over the weekend. It burned around 200 acres.

The smoldering comes from pockets of unburned fuel near the shoreline. Only hand crews and helicopters can reach some of these areas with ground too soft for larger ground apparatus.

Fire officials have banned private drones from flying within 5 miles of the incident. They also ask the public not to call 911 if they smell smoke in that area.

Yosemite smoke

Meanwhile, the Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke for Monday, July 11. They forecast that smoke from the Washburn Fire near Yosemite will impact the Bay Area today. They smoke will impact the North and East Bay regions.

However, they do not expect pollutant levels to exceed the federal health standard. They have NOT issued a Spare the Air Alert. Officials expect Air quality will reach the moderate range.

If you do smell smoke, you should protect your health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed. Wait until smoke levels subside outdoors. Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.