Wildfires have created ‘worst air quality ever recorded for smoke’

The Wine Country wildfires have created the dirtiest air ever seen in the Bay Area, regulators said Tuesday, as they intensified health warnings about the smoke. “We are reporting the worst air quality ever recorded for smoke in many parts of the Bay Area,” said Tom Flannigan, spokesman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “This is similar to what you see in Beijing China in bad air days there.” Soot readings in many areas have reached levels considered very unhealthy or hazardous, air quality regulators said. And the smoke may linger for days, underscoring the need for people to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid strenuous exercise in smoky areas, air regulators cautioned. The wildfires continue to pour tons of soot and ash into the air, and winds have blown enough to move it about without sweeping it out of the area, he said...more