Smoke from wildfires spurs Bay Area air quality advisory

Cal Fire on Thursday night was battling more than two dozen blazes across the state.

Smoke from wildfires raging across Northern California is expected to impact the region on Friday, leading the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory.

“Hazy skies may be visible and the smell of smoke is possible in portions of the Bay Area, especially at higher altitudes and in the North Bay on Friday,” the air district said.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, and exposure to it is unhealthy, even for short periods of time, according to the air district.

Residents are urged to stay indoors with the windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside.

As of Thursday night, Cal Fire was battling 26 wildfires across the state, 11 of which have consumed more than 1,000 acres. Several of them were in Northern California.

They included the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County. The blaze, which broke out July 3 in Greenview, now covers 15,460 acres and is 18% contained, Cal Fire said in an update.

The fire is threatening 1,112 structures. Half a dozen firefighters have been injured on the job.

“Tonight, crews continue working on strengthening containment and control lines,” Cal Fire reported.

In Humboldt County, containment of the 4,261-acre Hill Fire stood at 0% Thursday night. The fire ignited Tuesday south of the community of Willow Creek.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for both blazes, according to Cal Fire.

The 3-6 Rim Fire in Lassen County is holding at 1,025 acres and is 50% contained, Cal Fire reported. Lightning is being blamed for the blaze, which broke out July 13 on Loomis Cabin Road, east of the unincorporated community of Little Valley.

The air quality advisory is coinciding with another heat wave. On Friday, temperatures in the East Bay and North Bay could reach into the triple digits, according to the National Weather Service.

Check back for updates.