Protecting Sonoma County Residents from Toxic Wildfire Air Quality with Unique Strategies

Sonoma County residents were urged to take measures to protect their health as poor air quality from nearby wildfires impacted the local area. The Sonoma Valley and Napa regions have been most affected by the poor air quality, according to Department of Health Services spokesperson Sheri Cardo.

County officials suspect that the poor air quality is due to smoke from Colusa County’s Site Fire streaming toward Sonoma County. In some areas between Sonoma and Santa Rosa, the air quality index has jumped to more than 160, according to PurpleAir air quality map. However, farther south and west, in cities like Rohnert Park and Petaluma, air quality indices have remained satisfactory and below 50. Residents can check air pollution levels and smoke in their neighborhood by visiting the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map.

To avoid poor air quality indoors, residents were advised to shelter in place by closing doors and windows, keeping indoor air cool, and setting car and home air conditioning units to recirculate air. The advisory also instructed residents to limit prolonged exertion outdoors, especially elderly individuals, pregnant individuals, children, and people with heart disease or respiratory illness. Residents were advised to hydrate often and avoid activities that may exacerbate air pollution, such as burning wood, mowing the lawn, blowing leaves, driving, barbecuing