People cover their mouths as they walk through Berkeley which is feeling the effect of the smoke from North Bay fires. Photo: Pete Rosos
The horrific North Bay fires which ignited Sunday night have touched Berkeley as a pall of dense, particulate-laden smoke has settled over the city. The air is hazy, prompting concern for those with respiratory issues. The air quality locally has been deemed “unhealthy,” and a red flag warning, signaling high fire danger, is in effect — currently through Thursday at 5 p.m.
Many are complaining that the air is causing watery eyes and coughing. Some people are wearing masks when they venture out, though there are reports that many local stores have run down their stocks; many others are trying to stay inside. Sunset on Wednesday night was dramatic with the sun showing as a vibrant red hue against the smoky sky.
Stay informed about the wildfires and helping those affected (we are updating this story regularly).
Smoke from North Bay fires is seen and felt in Berkeley. Photo, taken on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Photo: Pete RososSunset on Oct. 11. Photo taken from the East Bay looking toward the Marin Headlands, by Chris PolydoroffBerkeley residents have been wearing masks due to poor air quality, Oct. 11, 2017. Photo: Pete RososHaze from North Bay fires over Berkeley’s marina. Photo: Pete Rosos Haze from North Bay fires over Berkeley’s marina. Photo: Pete RososTelegraph Avenue enveloped by haze from North Bay fires. Photo: Ted FriedmanThe UC Berkeley Campanile seen through the haze from North Bay fires. Photo: Ted FriedmanSunset on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Photo: Ted FriedmanOne the Cal campus — wearing a mask due to effect of North Bay wildfires. Photo: Ted FriedmanThe sun a few minutes before it disappeared into the smoke/cloud layer. Photo: Sally MasonA hazy sunset due to smoke from North Bay fires. Photo: Fred WernerHazy sunset due to North Bay fires. Photo: @ihellaloveberkeley on InstagramHazy sky over the East Bay. Photo: Christine H. LeeA red sun at the end of the Wednesday. Photo: Sharon Adams on TwitterHazy sunset on Oct. 11. Photo: Annie Burke on TwitterHazy sunset on Oct. 11. Photo: @bitonio on TwitterA gray pall over the Berkeley Hills. Photo: Guy StruveHazy sun seen from UC Berkeley campus. Photo: Robert BorgheseA red sun over downtown Berkeley. Photo: Kaitlin Benz on TwitterThe red sun caused by North Bay fires. Photo: Joe Hellerstein on Twitter
Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...
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