The Bay Area will be under its first Spare the Air Alert of October on Saturday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Friday issued the alert due to the combination of smoke from Southern California wildfires, hot inland temperatures and vehicle exhaust combining to create unhealthy smog throughout the region.
Smoke from wildfires will impact the Bay Area creating hazy and smoky skies.
"If we all drive less this weekend, we can help reduce harmful smog and protect the health of Bay Area residents," Jack Broadbent, the Air District’s executive officer, said in a statement.
The Air District issue a Spare the Air Alert when ozone or smog pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels. Smog can cause throat irritation and congestion, trigger asthma and cause residents to have trouble breathing.
Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid exposure to the unhealthy air if the smell of smoke is present. Officials also recommended setting conditioning units and car ventilation systems to re-circulate to keep the outside air from moving indoors.
Senior citizens and people with respiratory illnesses are advised to take extra precautions because they are particularly susceptible to elevated poor air quality.
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