Bay Area on Alert as Oregon Wildfire Smoke Drifts South

As of September 29th, 2025, the Bay Area is on high alert due to the impact of smoke from a wildfire in Oregon. The Moon Complex fire, which started on September 3rd after a lightning strike, has been sending smoke southward over the ocean, and this smoke is now mixing with the marine layer moving onto the Bay Area.

The local air district has issued an air quality advisory that is expected to remain in effect through the weekend. Officials warn that the smoke conditions can shift quickly, making it difficult to predict how much smoke will reach the ground or where it will settle. Residents may notice hazy skies and the presence of smoke, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing or scratchy throats.

To mitigate the health risks, the district has recommended that people stay indoors with doors and windows closed until the smoke clears. Car vents should also be set to recirculate to avoid bringing in outside air. While pollution levels are expected to stay below the national health standard for a 24-hour period, the situation is being closely monitored.

Some locals have already noticed the effects of the smoke, with one business owner in lower Nob Hill reporting that he had to wear an N95 mask in past years due to similar conditions. However, others in the area have not yet experienced any issues.

The wildfire itself has been expanding quickly, leading to new evacuation orders for areas south and southwest of the blaze. Fortunately, rain is expected in Oregon this week, which should help firefighters bring the fire under control.