[4] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [1] American Lung Association. There was no word yet from authorities on what caused the fire. This is devastating: Dixie Fire ravages remote town of Greenville Louis Hansen covers housing issues for the Bay Area News Group and is based at The Mercury News. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. WebDrop off your vehicle at FasTest Smog Centers for top-of-the-line emission testing. This is my home away from home. In 2019, Walnut Creeks average annual air quality met the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) qualification for good with a US AQI of 27, indicating that the air generally poses little risk to health. That's where I came in every week. The decision to ban the sale of new diesel big rigs will impact about 1.8 million trucks in California. In the long term, ozone exposure can cause respiratory infections, permanent lung damage, cancer, and early death. Took a break from the news this weekend? There are an estimated 92,532 residents in Contra Costa County with asthma, 43,209 with COPD, 63,409 with cardiovascular disease, 259,791 under the age of 18, and 181,443 over the age of 65. With over 500 wild fires burning in in California the Bay Area is inundated with unhealthy smoke. The lightning-caused Walnut Fire, burning in Little Dragoon Mountain, has reached 63% containment with additional containment expected by end of shift today. Sharks hunt prey there, but the ocean's 'twilight zone' may soon be go We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live But Rivera was concerned about his son playing with so much unhealthy air because of the smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County. Neighborhood. For easy access, our shop is strategically located in downtown Walnut Creek directly across Trader Joes and kitty-corner to Kaiser Hospital. Public Lot. Take control of your data. At that time of day, you have a mixture of professional, full-time firefighters and volunteers and everyone coming together. Assistance League Thrift Shops Mothers Day Gifts Event Blossoms! Bay Area residents can stay up to date with air quality readings by visiting http://baaqmd.gov/highs, Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Bay City News. Staff writer George Kelly contributed to this report. Slacks Creek factory fire: Two firefighters hospital one critical The frequency of these high-PM2.5 events have earned the greater San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA area its ranking as 3rd in the nation for worst 24-hour particle pollution out of 217 surveyed metropolitan areas. Report an error Spare the Air alerts are typically called as a result of high ozone pollution in the summer and high fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in the winter. Walnut Creek, CA Air Quality & Pollen | Weather It didn't feel like we were coming to ready to sell and service cars. Walnut Creek Massive fire breaks out at Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market - WEWS Check the Smog Star Express of Walnut Creek The fire had to be upgraded to a second-alarm due to the extensive vegetation overgrowth around the house. Walnut Creek, CA Air Quality Index | AccuWeather Anyone with information may call Walnut Creek police at 925-935-6400 or the departments anonymous tip line at 925-943-5865. Walnut Creek Real-time air quality in Walnut Creek should be monitored often in the case of active wildfires in the area. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group), OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 22: Laurena Davis, of Vacaville, from left, her mother-in-law Marianne Spamer, of Martinez, and her husband Eric Spamer look into the distance towards San Francisco from Grizzly Peak Blvd. We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good. Thank you for reporting this station. The Bear Fire exploded in size overnight to 58,000 acres, prompting evacuations and spewing out smoke over the Bay Area. Worry not: we've rounded up some of the stories you missed in NorCal on Saturday and Sunday. But Tuyrice Munson and her friends decided to brave it, by the fire no less. With over 500 wildfires burning throughout the state of California the skies in the Bay Area remain blanketed with smoke. Contra Costa College is seeking 60 or more participants for its NASA program. The manufacturing and distribution company said in a news release that it has many exciting projects in the works for 2023, and the refreshed Walnut Creek Foods logo is part of it. Walnut Creek Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. We offer STAR Certified Smog testing for all cars, trucks, SUV, Diesel, Hybrid, and RV. Conveniently located in downtown Walnut Creek (925) 938-3315 TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to gas station construction. If you would like us to contact you when we have a re-open date, leave us a voicemail with your contact info. Local News Air Quality Advisory Extended: Smoke to Linger Over Bay Area Through Saturday August 6, 2021 / 11:00 PM / CBS San Francisco WALNUT CREEK (KPIX) So, definitely a mental battle," says Savarani. There was a Walnut Creek Flea Market on the other side of Sugarcreek that burned down in 2000. All Rights Reserved. Newly opened and arrived for the grand opening! From this view Mount Diablo would be easily seen in the distance. "Fortunately today, the weather was in our favor in this particular circumstance. Run air cleaning systems as often as possible, on the highest fan speed. Smoke Smoke will be from planned burns: 1,500 acres at Collins Creek, During these months, there are roughly 15 days with temperatures over 80 degrees, where ozone may accumulate and reach unhealthy levels.6 When a Spare the Air alert is issued for ozone pollution, residents may experience short-term effects such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Anyone with information may call Walnut Creek police at 925-935-6400 or the departments anonymous tip line at 925-943-5865. Walnut Creek Crews Contain 2 Separate Fires That Threatened in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Eighteen fire trucks are at the WALNUT CREEK The warning means weather may set off extreme fire behavior within 24 hours, according to Cal Fire. Contra Costa Fire reported that the fire was knocked down as of about 10:45 a.m. Crews were set to remain at the scene to mop up the fire. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Walnut Creek Spare the Air alerts are issued by The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy.5 The alerts are meant to serve as both a means for sharing valuable health information and encouraging the community to collectively reduce emissions to help drive down pollution levels. Wallace explained the best way to tell if the smoke is affecting air quality is by taking the smell test. (2020). Oakland teachers to strike if no deal reached by Thursday, Rally for justice, housing for Black trans youth following SF shooting, Over 30 injured, at least 6 dead in crashes during Illinois dust storm. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865. Los Banos woman killed in crash east of Gilroy, Redwood City: Publics help sought in solving fatal hit-and-run, At least 6 dead in Illinois crash during dust storm, Speeding truck smashes into metal column in fatal Concord freeway wreck, dry thunderstorms are expected to strike Sunday, Harriette Cole: My friend's mom didn't recognize me at my job, and she was very rude. What is Spare the Air? Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Dear Abby: I have a great life, so why have I fallen into this shameful behavior? May 20, 2021 / 4:28 PM There are no current fires in Contra Costa County. While Walnut Creek is a suburban city with a relatively small population of 70,166, its location at the junction of highways from Sacramento and San Jose (I-680) and San Francisco/Oakland (SR-24) as well as its general close proximity to these much larger cities contributes to the prevalence of ozone precursor pollutants NOx and VOCs in Walnut Creek. Portion of the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market is destroyed after a fire broke out early Wednesday morning. Cool 28. During the winter, colder temperatures prevent ozone formation. WALNUT CREEK Walnut Creek Foods has announced the launch of their updated logo. WebToday. The warning comes as dry thunderstorms are expected to strike Sunday, with little rain in the forecast. Our Walnut Creek location is our second store, serving the East Bay area. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! WALNUT CREEK Walnut Creek Foods has announced the launch of their updated logo. Useful 26. Domestic wood-burning, estimated to contribute more than one-third of particulate pollution, and a pollution-trapping weather effect, temperature inversions, are to blame. Due to their size, which often span up to tens of thousands of acres, wildfire impacts on air quality can be significant and far reaching. WebYou may be waking up to the smell of smoke this morning. ", RELATED: Here's why the sky looks so orange, even though Bay Area air quality isn't terrible. Within a half an hour, that fire was knocked down and limited to the structure that was fully involved when units arrived. Not until January 1! (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group), SANTA CRUZ, CA - AUGUST 22: PG&E crews are barely visible through the thick smoke working on Empire Grade in Santa Cruz, Calif., as the CZU August Lightning Complex fire burns, Saturday, Aug., 22, 2020. Walnut Creek Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Ashley Spears, manager of the flea market, says it's been an overwhelming experience since she first got the call from her boss telling her about the fire. Special inspections Special Inspection and Observation Program [PDF] Contact General questions: (925) 943-5834 Inspection request: (925) 943-5833 Inspection confirmation: (925) 943-5835, from 8 - 8:30 a.m. only There are fires burning in Vacaville and Santa Rosa and the smoke is drifting to Walnut Creek. Prices will range from reasonable to very reasonable. "I just came from Oakland -- came through the Caldecott Tunnel -- and got out of the car and it hit me like a ton of bricks," said Gregory Copeland from Oakland. A warning was issued to residents in the neighbouring area just after 3am to shut doors and windows as smoke gushes from the site. #weaveric pic.twitter.com/ByYfSZZwA0. Officials encourage people to limit time spent outdoors. #walnutic. in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. I became close with a lot of good people here. Miller says it moved to SR 39 under a different name. Kirtlink took a picture of the dark gray smoke as it drifted over her house on Saturday. AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. "I think it was a tremendous response. I could barely breathe outside walking outside. Estimated Re-open: early May 2023 Smog Star Express Walnut Creek is centrally located in Downtown These PM2.5 pollution swings primarily occurred during the winter months as a result of wood burning and pollution-trapping temperature inversions, or as a result of wildfires in the late summer and early fall. (KGO) -- Emergency crews in Walnut Creek quickly doused a 3-alarm fire at a senior care facility after a report of an explosion Thursday afternoon. Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my European daughter-in-law's behavior? A ninth grade boy was arrested after stabbing a female student at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, police said. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group), NAPA, CA - AUGUST 20: A rabbit sculpture stands at Hall winery in Napa, Calif., as smoke from the LNU Lightning Complex fire moves over Napa County on Thursday, Aug., 20, 2020. Walnut Creeks most polluted months for PM2.5 in 2019 were November and December, with monthly concentration averages of 14.2 g/m3 (moderate) and 12.4 g/m3 (moderate) respectively, roughly 3 times the six-month average of April to September, 4.7 g/m3. 1.1 million acres burned in nine days in California, as new lightning-ignited blazes forecast into Monday. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu), SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA - AUGUST 21: Smoke rises from the CZU August Lightning Complex fire burning behind Davenport, Calif., in a view from Pigeon Point, Friday morning, Aug., 21, 2020. According to a study by the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, climate change has doubled the risk of extreme fire conditions in California by creating hotter and drier environments. Closed. Walter Wallace, with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, says that, at this point, there's no reason to be alarmed. They will likely celebrate the big day with family and friends under smoky skies. Copyright 2019 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. State of the air 2020. "When I walked outside this evening, it was very smoky. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group), WALNUT CREEK, CA - AUGUST 22: Traffic on Highway 24 moves smoothly as motorist travel through a thick cloud of smoke in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Get the latest fire watch details and map. "For a lot of vendors its their livelihood," Miller said. Aerial footage showed the line of firefighters as they made their way up to the fire zone. A warning was issued to residents in the neighbouring area just after 3am to shut doors and windows as smoke gushes from the site. Smoke is blowing in to our area from a large fire earlier today in San Francisco. "It's just really sad. Since temperatures of 84 degrees or warmer are generally required for a reaction and hotter temperatures accelerate its formation, environmental scientists expect climate change to pose challenges for maintaining low ozone levels in the future. Weaver Lane fire, Walnut Creek has been knocked down. WebWalnut Creek, CA Weather Advisories - Warnings & Watches | AccuWeather Today Hourly Daily Radar MinuteCast Monthly Air Quality Health & Activities Walnut Creek Alerts 0 1,500 acres at Collins Creek, 750 acres at Avalanche Creek to ease wildfire risk later. Since 2016, Walnut Creek air quality has failed to meet federal 24-hour PM2.5 targets, a measure which tallies the number of unhealthy PM2.5 days in a year.1 There was an average of 11 unhealthy PM2.5 days a year in Walnut Creek from 2016 to 2018, greatly surpassing the federal allowance of 3.2 unhealthy days. "Some schools were canceled," said Pittsburgh Assistant Principal Connie Spinnato. Pleasant Hill BART Station. Video shows what the air looked like in Oakland, Richmond, Walnut Creek and other parts of the Bay Area as CONCORD, Calif. (KGO) -- Smoke was a huge concern across the Bay Area on Friday. WebResidents at Atria Walnut Creek and Atria Park in San Mateo died last summer after they ingested caustic cleaning solutions. The plumes of smoke have had a far-reaching effect on cities around the Bay Area, greatly impacting San Francisco air quality , San Jose air quality, and Sacramento air quality. Miller calls this fire a "tremendous loss.". VIDEOS: Apocalyptic orange skies seen across Bay Area from wildfire smoke. Walnut Creek Air Quality Index Incident Commander has called for a second alarm due to need to clear extensive vegetation surrounding abandoned 2-story structure. Through this season, Walnut Creek air quality suffers from another pollutant: fine particle pollution (PM2.5). With over 500 wild fires burning in in California the Bay Area is inundated with unhealthy smoke. Have a safe Wednesday. Miller says the middle portion of the 50,000-square-foot building is completely destroyed. Find out what's happening in Walnut Creek with free, real-time updates from Patch. Three Days! Guess What Day It Is Copyright TWC Product and Technology LLC 2014, 2023. Nina Clark asked. [6] Current Results. They are working to get ahold of all of their vendors. But others ventured out to dinner and Article Resources Prior to joining the organization, he was an investigative reporter at The Virginian-Pilot, where he covered state government, the military and criminal justice. Newsroom | City of Walnut Creek Read more here. While some children played at Heather Farms Park in Walnut Creek Friday evening, many parents decided to keep their kids indoors during the day as a precaution. in Walnut Creek Air Quality Advisory Extended: Smoke to Linger Over Bay Area But others ventured out to dinner and even a high school football game. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, Apocalyptic orange skies seen across Bay Area from wildfire smoke, Bay Area wakes up to ominous orange skies 'unlike anything' residents have experienced before, Here's why the sky looks so orange, even though Bay Area air quality isn't terrible, click here to view the full map in a new window, Why does smoke turn the sky orange? 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Treat and Oak Rd. 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Get a monitor and contribute air quality data in your city. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group), LAFAYETTE, CA - AUGUST 22: Traffic on Highway 24 moves smoothly as motorist travel through a thick cloud of smoke in Lafayette, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. WebIs Walnut Creek, CA safe from wildfire smoke? The Washington Post. P.O. The district said smoke from the McFarland, Monument, and River Complex fires will cause smoky, hazy skies particularly in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. Parking details. In 2016 to 2018, there was an average of 2.7 unhealthy ozone days a year. WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- A thick, orange haze blanketed the Bay Area Wednesday, creating apocalyptic conditions that lasted all day. Wood smoke is particularly harmful to children, seniors and people with respiratory conditions. May 12 & 13, 2023 Garden Tour for AAUW (Danville Alamo Walnut Creek branch) "Gardens that Inspire", Walnut Creek: Free Trust Administration Guide, Walnut Creek Area Job Openings: Browse The Latest, 5 New Properties For Sale In The Walnut Creek Area, 3 Takes Of A Lovely Shell Ridge Sunset: Walnut Creek Photos Of The Day, Mount Diablo With A Touch Of Fall Color: Photo Of The Day. Fire engulfs warehouse in Slacks Creek - News.com.au Researchers, however, estimate that indoor particle levels tend to be between 49% and 76% of the increases in outdoor particle levels during wildfires.4 To reduce your exposure to outdoor air pollution in Walnut Creek, follow the below wildfire protocol: Check current and forecast air quality levels in Walnut Creek at the top of this page. Walnut Creek Air Quality Index (AQI) and California Air "The rivalry that we have with Pittsburg it's big, you know," explained Sam Rivera. NO WARNINGS OR ADVISORIES IN EFFECT AT 7:49PM, Major damage reported near Virginia Beach following EF3 tornado, May off to chilly start in East thanks to 'Omega block', Dust storm causes fatal pileup in central Illinois, Cool and wet conditions return to California, West Coast, Severe storms forecast to ignite across central US, Otherworldly sunset looks like a scene from a sci-fi film, Otherworldly sunset in Thailand looks like sci-fi film, This map may save lives when there's a tornado threat. The rating comes from the citys average 2.7 unhealthy ozone days it experiences annually, a tally close to the 3.2 unhealthy ozone day threshold. East Bay smoke: Video shows orange sky over Oakland, Berkeley, Smoke & Current Wildfires | California Air Resources Board Tracking CA's reservoir levels, snowpack map, drought status, How safe is your neighborhood? The manufacturing and distribution company said in a news release that it More: Coblentz family still at helm, but new face to lead Walnut Creek Foods. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Wear an N95 pollution mask if possible. Creek Walnut Creeks smoky air quality conditions are often the result of wildfires burning in the Bay Area. Wildfires have become increasingly frequent and severe with the escalation of global climate change. PM2.5 pollution is released daily from various sources of combustion, such as fuel combustion, coal-burning, wood burning, and wildfires. 15 fire trucks are on scene as a warehouse is engulfed by flames in Slacks Creek, Logan. Please select the information that is incorrect. Continue to avoid the area. The fire now the sixth-largest in California history had scorched more than 361,000 acres across Plumas and Butte counties by Thursday and was just 35% contained. No need to call 911 unless you actually see smoke or flames. The American Lung Association (ALA) 2019 State of the Air report card rated Walnut Creek and greater Contra Costa County a DD for ozone pollution. The rating comes from the citys average 2.7 unhealthy ozone days it experiences annually, a tally close to the 3.2 unhealthy ozone day threshold. Smoke and particulate pollution have surged through the region from major wildfires, and air quality is not expected to improve to a moderate risk until Thursday, forecasters said. It was not clear if an arson investigation was underway in connection with the incident. They are the most giving. Is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels are high. WebTheres no fire in Walnut Creek! So we stayed in," Daniel said. The poor air quality forced some East Bay high school football games to be re-scheduled, but not this one, even though you could see air particles falling under the lights.