Smoke from prescribed burn in Sonoma County to linger through Wednesday
By Jose Fabian
Sonoma County said a prescribed burn near Bodega Bay Tuesday was causing poor air quality in the area, and that residual smoke will linger in the region through Wednesday.
The fire was burning inside Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, between Coleman Valley Road and the Salmon Creek Estuary. Sonoma County Regional Parks said the burn was in coordination with Cal Fire and the county fire district and that the burn was done by Tuesday evening.
However, due to the prescribed burn, air quality in western and central Sonoma County may range from unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy or hazardous, according to the county health officer.
“Onshore winds are light, blowing smoke from west to east across the Russian River Valley, including Santa Rosa and the 101 corridor this evening. Note that conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict,” the county said.
The air quality advisory that was issued will remain in effect through Wednesday, the county health officer said.
“High temperatures can worsen the effects of high Air Quality Index (AQI) events,” the county said. “Older adults, pregnant people, children and individuals with heart or lung conditions are particularly susceptible to air pollution and should take extra precautions.”
County officials said people should watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, and unusual fatigue.
