Monday morning is starting with hazy skies across parts of Northern California as smoke from two large wildfires in Monterey County drifts inland. The Plaskett Fire has burned over 15,000 acres and the Timber Fire is at 24,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. Both fires have triggered evacuation orders for residents in those areas.
Meteorologist Heather Waldman says winds pushed the smoke inland overnight, and some of it has sunk to elevations around 3,000 feet. That means areas along or east of Highway 49 could be seeing unhealthy air quality today. If you’re in that corridor, the advice is simple: keep your windows closed and limit time outdoors. Check your local air quality readings before making plans, especially if you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory conditions at home.
This is also a good reminder to stay informed about fire activity across the state. Conditions can change quickly, and knowing what’s burning and where the smoke is heading can help you make smarter decisions for your family’s health. Have you checked your air quality app this morning? What are you seeing in your neighborhood?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
