As the largest California wildfire of 2025 tears through the Central Coast, authorities are cautioning Bay Area residents about toxic smoke drifting north on Tuesday.
“Smoky, hazy skies may be visible, and the smell of smoke is possible, especially at higher elevations, on Tuesday,” wrote the Bay Area Air District in an advisory issued at 8 a.m. “Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.”
The Gifford Fire has burned more than 120,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest since Aug. 1, earning it a “mega fire” designation. About 4,000 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which has been moving north and is 33% contained.
The exact amount and location of smoke in the Bay Area is impossible to predict, according to the Air District, which stopped short of issuing a Spare the Air alert.
Here’s what the Air District recommends you do to protect yourself:
- Monitor air quality in your neighborhood on the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map.
- Stay indoors with windows closed as much as you’re able.
- Turn your car’s vent systems to “recirculate.”
- Use a home air purifier.
“Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure,” the advisory said.
