East Bay events go on despite unhealthy air quality from Northern CA wildfires
PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Smoke from the wildfires in Northern California billowed the East Bay Friday as air quality rose to unhealthy levels.
Numerous High School football games were postponed, but some other events still went on.
RELATED: Residents, travelers avoiding Lake Tahoe due to wildfire smoke
Congressman Eric Swalwell held his first in-person town hall since the pandemic began. He said he didn't want to postpone it.
"I saw all the High School football games as we were pulling up," Swalwell said. "I will limit my opening remarks and will probably cut this event short."
His constituents still arrived for the town hall, because they also didn't want to miss the event.
"His is our representative so I want to make sure my voice is heard," said Davis Zamboanga, an attendee. "I am ok, I wont be here too long."
VIDEO: Lake Tahoe surrounded by thick, apocalyptic layer of smoke from California wildfires
Main street in Pleasanton was also crowded with people not wanting their Friday ruined from the smoke.
"I know I should stay inside, but with the pandemic and things re-opening, I didn't want to stay inside," said Mario Palomines, from Pleasanton.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has a Spare the Air Alert out for the weekend. Some people we interviewed say they will monitor the air for the rest of the weekend.
"I will double check the rest of the weekend before heading out," Palomines said. "It is concerning definitely."
For a better experience, click here to view the full map in a new window
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Map shows riskiest areas in California for damaging wildfires
- How bad will CA's fire season be? Here's what we know, what we don't
- How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation
- How to prepare your pets in case of disaster
- How to make a pet carrier in case of emergency
- Most destructive California wildfires in history
- The deadliest wildfires in California history
- Live: Track Bay Area air quality levels
- How are wildfires started? A look at the causes of some of the worst in California history
- The difference between containing and controlling a wildfire
- What's in wildfire smoke? How it can impact your health
- What are the diablo winds and how can they influence Northern California wildfires?
- What you need to know about Santa Ana winds and California wildfires
- Safety tips to remember when returning home after wildfire
- How to pick a mask for protection during a wildfire
- Red flag warning: What to do during dangerous fire conditions
- Everything to know about red flame retardant dropped during wildfires
- What happens to animals during wildfires?
- How to drive safely during a power outage
- How wildfires create a serious threat for flooding and mudflows
- These aircraft are on the front lines of the fight against California wildfires
