A map displaying air quality data with numerous colored dots indicating pollution levels across California.
Air quality north of San Francisco Bay on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, shows worsening pollution levels in portions of the counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties. Green dots on the map maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency represent "good" air quality; yellow indicate "moderate;" orange is "unhealthy for sensitive groups;" and red indicate "unhealthy" levels of pollution. Smoke from the Cooley Fire, in Menocino County, Calif., was the source of the pollutants. (AirNow Fire and Smoke Map via Bay City News)

The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory for North Bay counties on Saturday as smoke from a wildfire in Mendocino County drifted southward.

The Cooley Fire started on Friday at about 5 p.m. west of the city of Cloverdale, in the area of Elkhorn Road and Cooley Ranch Road, according to Cal Fire.

The fire had burned about 558 acres just north of the Sonoma County line as of Cal Fire’s update on Saturday afternoon. It was 5% contained.

No injuries were reported as of that time and no structures were threatened.

The Bay Area Air District advised that smoke could impact the counties of Sonoma, Napa and Marin. Residents were cautioned to be aware of smoke levels and remain indoors with windows closed if temperatures allow, if conditions worsen.

Real-time air quality information, including particulate matter from wildfire smoke, is available through the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Thomas grew up in San Diego in the late 20th century and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies from CSUMB. He spent five years as a local broadcast journalist on California’s Central...

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