The Air District is extending an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke in eastern Contra Costa County through Monday, July 18. Smoke from the Marsh Fire is expected to continue to impact the eastern Contra Costa cities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood through the weekend and into Monday.
Onshore winds during the daytime are expected to disperse smoke, but as winds die down overnight localized pollution levels may rise during the overnight and early morning hours. Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard. A Spare the Air Alert is not in effect.
Press Release:
Air District extends air quality advisory for eastern Contra Costa County through Monday
SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is extending an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke in eastern Contra Costa County through Monday, July 18.
Smoke from the Marsh Fire is expected to continue to impact the eastern Contra Costa cities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood through the weekend and into Monday. Onshore winds during the daytime are expected to disperse smoke, but as winds die down overnight localized pollution levels may rise during the overnight and early morning hours. Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard. A Spare the Air Alert is not in effect.
The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from this and other fires.
If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their 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.
Check here for real-time air quality readings: http://baaqmd.gov/highs.
Pittsburg Area Experiencing Intermittent Poor Air Quality Due to Fire
(UPDATED Health Advisory) Pittsburg and nearby communities may experience intermittent poor air quality due to the nearby Marsh Fire and residents are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke.
People in the area should minimize outdoor activities when they see or smell smoke, particularly older adults, pregnant women, and people who have asthma, lung or heart disease.
- Contra Costa Fire Provides Update to Pittsburg Marsh Fire and Smoke Situation
- Note – nearby communities include City of Antioch and City of Oakley and portions of City of Brentwood
- Pittsburg Residents Urged to Stay Inside and Limit Outdoor Activity Due to Poor Air Quality (original notice)
When air quality is poor, residents should stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible. People in the area should avoid going in and out of their homes to prevent bad air from getting indoors. Those without power should consider going to a location with a powered ventilation system.
Using a mask is not an effective substitute for staying indoors in a space with filtered air. Bandanas, surgical masks and other face coverings are not effective protection against wildfire smoke. Those who must go out during smoky periods should wear respirator-style masks (N-95, N-100, KN-95).
Taking a mask on and off can cause fine particles in the smoke to build up in the mask, which the wearer will breathe when the mask is put back on the face.
People with asthma should continue to follow their asthma plan, and those with chronic lung or heart disease should continue to take their medications regularly. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or chest tightness may require immediate medical attention.
Call 911 if you experience these symptoms.
Contra Costa Health will post updated information about this incident at cchealth.org. More health information about wildfire smoke is available at cchealth.org/wildfire-smoke.
