Get Real-Time Reports of California Wildfire Smoke Using These Maps
In addition to the obvious fire hazard, all three fires create significant amounts of smoke that can pose a health and safety hazard to those living nearby, even when it is “nearby” several hundred miles from the fire. In San Francisco, for example, the smell of smoke is unbearable in places, despite the fact that the fires are quite far away. People with asthma and other breathing problems are also advised to use face masks when they go outside and limit their exposure to smoky air.
Analyst firm Esri has created two interactive maps to help people track the progress of fires. Originally discovered by Fast Company , there are two maps: one shows real-time traffic information so if you need to evacuate you can determine the best route, and the other shows the smoke forecast for the next 48 hours in the affected areas.
Smoke forecast uses information from the National Meteorological Service, which can give loved ones an idea of what the air will look like outside in the next few days.
If you’re not near fires and just want to get a glimpse of them, NASA released some pretty epic images this weekend showing fires from space. The fires have already resulted in 11 deaths and extensive property and property damage throughout California.