[KarenInCa]

There are apx 130 uncontrolled fires in Northern California, since last Saturday. I live in Sacramento County, and my brother lives much further up, in Mendocino County. My eyes burn, and the air smells like smoke. My brother and I both heard on the news for our areas, not to go outside if we can help it, and to keep the children inside if at all possible, because of the smoke in the air. At times it looks fuzzy when I walk outside, and the sky is usually completely whilte (not blue).
The fires are not anywhere near my house, at all, but apparently, the air quality has been effected in all of Northern California.
Anyone else live in this area?

[specialk4b]

Wow - stay safe!

[RavenSong]

I live in the Sierra foothills (Yuba County), and I can tell you that the smoke is wreaking havoc up here. My chest has felt tight for days, and I've developed a nasty cough. The smoke is just hanging on here, not moving out at all. The smoke is so thick that it's hampering firefighting efforts.

The thing that really scares me is the weather people are forecasting more dry lightening conditions for this coming Saturday. That's all we need...

[MicheleB]

Here in Solano County (very close to Sacramento).

NASTY!!!

So much smoke that we couldn't see the sun most of the day and when it did pull through a bit - it was bright red through the smoke. We just stayed inside - the kids school kept kids inside all day - yuck!!!

[Leilani's Mom]

I'm in Sacramento too and I hate this! My asthma is bothering me, coughing etc. We had to move my parent's 60th anniversary party inside due to the smoke, it is choking! Terrible air quality, I have heard China has bad air, but I hope China isn't this bad! Jan

[KarenInCa]

Well, this is at least ONE way to meet my neighbors!
China is NOT as bad as this. I can guarantee you that. And in some places of China, the air is wonderful. This feels like you are in a sauna after 100 chain smokers left the room. heh
The smoke is expected to travel up to Washington state and thin out as it goes. I've also heard more dry thunder storms.....Strange things. I've been in Northern California my entire life, from Mendocino County, Sonoma County, Sacramento County....and NEVER seen "dry" thunderstorms before. It's so thick with smoke here, that the sun is in a haze, and when it's on the horizon, it's just a big light orange ball. It's eery. I want to go back to seeing blue skies and a firey sun again! Must be some huge fires because the smoke has not let up since Saturday.
Our Governor, Arnold Schwartzeneger has pleaded with Californians not to purchase the safe fireworks for the 4th. Probably because the firemen are already spread too thin right now. My brother has no idea if they are going to have a fireworks display at the fairgrounds in Mendocino County this year, and we go there every year. UGH.

Crews make progress in Northern California fires - Los Angeles Times

So far, I think the fires have destroyed 38 homes, but that is really not much, considering that half of California coast is dealing with 130 fires right now and it was at around 700 fires less than a week ago. It's mostly in unincorporated areas. But the smoke and fire is from all sides.
Here's another article that shows a picture of what the air quality looks like around most of Northern California right now

Weekend weather threatens to spread California wildfires - USATODAY.com