Smoke from the Marsh Fire in Pittsburg is creating intermittent poor air quality in eastern Contra Costa County. The peat fire is producing significant smoke, but it is not threatening structures and no evacuations are anticipated.
People in the area should minimize outdoor activities when they see or smell smoke, particularly older adults, pregnant women, and people who have asthma, lung or heart disease. Exposure to smoky air can make anyone feel unwell, coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, or runny nose. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or worsening.
Using a mask is not an effective substitute for staying indoors in a space with filtered air. Bandanas, surgical masks and other face coverings are not effective protection against wildfire smoke. Those who must go out during smoky periods should wear respirator-style masks (N-95, N-100, KN-95).
Contra Costa Health Services has issued a Health Advisory, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued an Air Quality Advisory because of the smoke.
Visit https://cchealth.org/wildfire-smoke/ for more information and tips on smoke protection. Get updates on Twitter: @CCCounty, @CoCoHealth, and @ContraCostaFire. Check air quality at https://airnow.gov.