The Soberanes Fire may be about 50 miles from Hollister, but its impacts have reached the local area. That’s because the region as a whole has been affected by the fire’s impacts to air quality.
Hollister Fire Chief Bob Martin Del Campo told the Free Lance that a lot of people had been calling the department asking questions about air quality in light of the wildfire near Big Sur that had consumed more than 43,000 acres as of Tuesday morning. Many residents want to know if it’s OK to spend extended periods of time outdoors, such as going to Little League or other sporting events, with the smoky, debris-polluted air caused by the Soberanes Fire.
Del Campo shared his recommendation for his two sons who are asthmatic.
“I would keep them indoors on days like this,” Del Campo said Tuesday morning.
Smoke has the potential to irritate eyes and airways. It can cause coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, and more.
“People experiencing these kinds of symptoms should seek shelter, close their windows, and stay indoors,” said Tom Flannigan, public information officer for Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “Turn on any air conditioning units to recirculate, so they’re not exposing themselves to outdoor elements.”
BAAQMD is in charge of monitoring air quality in the nine counties that make up the Bay Area, which includes Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Napa County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Solano County, and Sonoma County.
Residents are advised to use their best judgement. Flannigan said it’s important to remember there may be higher concentrations of pollution in different areas.
People with preexisting respiratory conditions should contact their doctors if their symptoms worsen. In some cases, it’s reasonable to leave the area if the smoke becomes too threatening to overall health.
“Elderly people, children, anyone with heart or respiratory conditions, they’re even more susceptible to elevated air-pollution levels,” Flannigan said. “They should take extra caution to avoid this exposure.”
While the smoke might affect your health, your car should be just fine.
“I was actually down in Carmel on Sunday and there was ash on my car,” said Mike Bonfante, of Bonfante Collision Center. “It was just like anything else. It just blew off. I don’t think it harmed my vehicle at all.”
