Rain returning to Bay Area with back-to-back storms, which could ease wildfire danger, firefighters say

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) — A blast of incoming fall weather and rain is good news for Bay Area firefighters, because it helps reduce wildfire risk.

In the meantime, a smoke advisory was in effect over the weekend due to a wildfire burning in up the Pacific Northwest.

Rain is forecasted to make a comeback this week.

“Yay! I love the rain. I love it,” said Barbara Judson from Sana Rosa.

Several small back-to-back storm systems are expected to sweep through the Bay Area starting Monday, possibly reducing the threat of wildfire — at least for a bit. Judson and neighbor Diane Aceves lost homes in the 2017 Tubbs Fire.

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A lot of people have PTSD around here,” Judson said.

“A steady rain now and then, just to keep the fires from coming would be good,” Aceves said.

“What we don’t want is the community to let their guard down,” said Santa Rosa Division Chief Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal.

Lowenthal says a bit of rain is always good in the middle of prime wildfire season, which he says is far from over.

“We’re looking forward to back-to-back wetting rains. Hopefully that continues into early fall, as we push into winter. But we don’t want to let our guard down. Remain prepared for a shift in the weather again,” Lowenthal said.

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In the meantime, many in the Bay Area are seeing and smelling smoke.

“I smelled it last night,” Judson said.

“We’re typically in the broad world of which way is the wind pushing it,” said Jeffrey Carter from Concord.

The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory over the weekend because of a wildfire burning in Southern Oregon sending smoke into Northern California, which can cause health issues for sensitive groups.

“If you see air quality climbing in your area, it’s a good thing not to be exercising. Maybe stay indoors with the doors and windows closed as long as it’s not too warm,” said Aaron Richardson from Bay Area Air District.