Winds have made the Dixie Fire hard to control destroying 432,813 acres in one night. Friday morning, the fire was 35% contained.
The wildfire has destroyed 134 structures and threatens over 14,000 acres. Homes that were from the 1800’s have been all burned in the historic town of Greenville. The whole town has been completely burned down.
The Pacific Gas & Electric company said the wildfire could have started when a tree landed on one of its power lines. However, the Dixie Fire is still under investigation.
Smoke from the wildfires burning in the northwest area of California’s northwest are reaching into the San Francisco Bay Area as of Thursday night, and residents are seeing the haze of smoke in the skies on Friday morning.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District reported higher elevation smoke isn’t causing widespread unhealthy air quality levels.
A spokesperson for the management district, Aaron Richardson stated. “We think it’s above 2,000 feet. We may see some smoky skies in portions of the Bay Area, but we’re not expecting the air quality to be anything worse than moderate.”
The Air District is extending an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke through tomorrow, Saturday, August 7. Smoke from the McFarland, Monument, and River Complex fires is expected to continue to impact the Bay Area, particularly at higher elevation locations in the North Bay and East Bay. The smoke is aloft above 1,500 feet and is not expected to cause widespread unhealthy air quality across the Bay Area.
NEW 8/6/2021
Smoky, hazy skies will be visible across the Bay Area and smoke may impact localized regions such as in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties, and higher elevation locations. Onshore winds are expected to become stronger during the afternoon on Friday and Saturday. The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fires.
If the smell of smoke is present, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema, or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
Image Cal Fire
We just entered Greenville on Hwy 89 This video was taken from Bidwell & Ann St. I’m so sorry for the town of Greenville. #DixieFire pic.twitter.com/vtAiYpy1Dl
– SoCalFirePhoto (@SoCalFirePhoto) August 5, 2021
