Smoke from Napa County wildfire spurs air quality advisory

SAN FRANCISCO — Already grappling with an intense heat wave, several Bay Area counties are now under an air quality advisory due to smoke from a wildfire burning in Napa County.

Smoke from the Pickett Fire is expected to impact Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties on Thursday and Friday, the Bay Area Air District said in a news release.

The air district said conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level are hard to predict, but the public can check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s fire and smoke map for real-time pollution levels.

“Smoky, hazy skies may be visible, and the smell of smoke is possible,” the air district said.

Exposure to wildfire smoke, which contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, is unhealthy even for short periods, according to the air district.

Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

The air district urged Bay Area residents to stay inside with windows and doors closed — if possible and temperatures allow — until smoke levels subside. Residents can also reduce their exposure to smoke by setting their car ventilation systems to recirculate, using indoor air filtration or going to a facility with filtered air.

The Pickett Fire broke out just before 3 p.m. Thursday near Calistoga, according to Cal Fire. As of 5:35 p.m., the blaze had burned 1,200 acres and was 0% contained. Evacuation warnings are in place.

“The fire has a moderate rate of spread with short-range spotting,” Cal Fire said in an incident update. “Additional air and ground resources have been ordered for this incident.”

Check back for updates.