California Braces For Increased Fire Threat, ‘Triple Whammy’ of Smoke, Heat and Pollution

Parts of California are bracing for another round of dangerous fire weather that could bring more flames, smoke, power outages and pollution and put further strain on exhausted first responders who’ve already battled dozens of major wildfires for weeks. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings – the highest level of alert – from Saturday through Monday across a swath of Northern California that stretches from Redding down into higher terrain around Napa Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The forecast includes potentially record-breaking highs, windy conditions and low humidity, all of which can spark new wildfires or cause existing ones to spread. (MORE: Northwest Getting Much-Needed Rain, But Then, Another Heat Wave Moves in ) Kristine Roselius, a spokesperson for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said the smoke, pollution and heat pose a ” triple whammy ” threat to air quality in the Bay area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. “Try to limit outdoor activities and exertion so you’re not breathing in more unhealthy air,” Roselius said. The region was shrouded in smoke earlier this month after an outbreak of fires during a Labor Day heat wave. The air quality index reached hazardous […]

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