Smoke from the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County is impacting air quality in much of the Bay Area, including Menlo Park. Currently, the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive people. Active youth, adults and people with respiratory diseases should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion, meaning it is OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and watch for respiratory symptoms.

Keep yourself and others safe

• Check on friends, family and neighbors. Older adults, pregnant individuals, children and people with respiratory illness are susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take precautions to avoid exposure.
• Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing and irritated sinuses. Stay hydrated by drinking water during heavy smoke events.
• Avoid adding additional air pollution by curtailing activities such as wood burning, lawn mowing, leaf blowing, driving, barbecuing, smoking or other dust producing activities. Avoid using hairspray and painting indoors. If possible, use the stove fan when cooking.
• Local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors, including wind direction. Sign up for alerts in your area by visiting the Spare the Air website.