A fiery fake-out: smoky skies and an air quality advisory

The usual skies above Santa Rosa (Ryan Win-Ruan)

By Ryan Win-Ruan, Senior News Editor

For a few hours this Tuesday, the usually clean Sonoma County air was struck by a sudden case of smoke. The cause? A prescribed burn from Bodega Bay.

Sonoma County is no stranger to smoke: beginning in 2017, the county (and the state as a whole) saw a spike in major annual fire occurrences, due in part to climate change and average higher temperatures. As such, many residents were reasonably fearful of the noticeable change in air quality, and were relieved to find that the cause of the smoke was a controlled, limited fire from within Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park, which was operated in coordination with Cal Fire. 

The winds carried the smoke eastwards from the park in Bodega Bay towards the Russian River Valley, where it settled and now lingers. As such, despite the burn finishing by Tuesday evening, various health advisories have been put in place to address the lingering smoke and particulates which remain in the air around Santa Rosa. These advisories are set to remain in place through Wednesday, and warn against the adverse effects of the lowered air quality on, especially when combined with the high temperatures which the region is currently experiencing.

According to a story by CBS, county officials warn against “symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, a scratchy throat, and unusual fatigue,” also reminding more vulnerable demographics like the elderly, pregnant, and those with lung conditions to take extra precautions.

For further information concerning the advisory and potential health risks, the City of Sonoma’s official statement can be referred to.