A controlled burn along the Sonoma County coast Tuesday, Oct. 6, is causing smoke above adjacent communities to the east.
The burn is happening at the Carrington Coast Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, a 332-acre coastal property near Bodega Bay. Activity began about 8 a.m. and is expected to last through the day, according to the Sonoma County Fire District.
There is no active wildfire and residents should not dial 911, officials said.
“With all prescribed burns, a significant amount of resources are present to ensure the burn stays within the planned area,” the Graton Fire Department said in a Facebook post explaining the presence of smoke.
The burn has nonetheless forced smoke across Sonoma County with heaviest conditions near the coast. Smoke has at least reached Sebastopol and the Police Department issued an advisory just before 3 p.m. stating, “Those with respiratory sensitivities should consider closing windows and doors, limiting outdoor activity, and using air filtration if available.”
By 5 p.m., smoke was present in and around Santa Rosa, including near the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport.
Smoke is spreading as regional temperatures surpass 90 degrees and the Bay Area Air District has instituted a “Spare the Air Alert” through Tuesday.
According to the district, warmer temperatures and longer days during this time of year can cause ozone to reach unhealthy levels. Bay Area residents should consider limiting outdoor activities under such circumstances.
You can reach Staff Writer Colin Atagi at colin.atagi@pressdemocrat.com.