The Bay Area's poor air quality today is primarily due to toxic smoke drifting north from the Gifford Fire, a large wildfire burning in the Central Coast region of California. The fire, burning over 120,000 acres, has caused smoky and hazy skies with elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is harmful to respiratory health. Additionally, these wildfire-related smoke conditions are exacerbated by other typical local pollution sources like transportation emissions and stagnant weather conditions that trap pollutants near the ground. Authorities recommend staying indoors, using air purifiers, and minimizing exposure, especially for sensitive groups such as elderly people, children, and those with respiratory illnesses.
