As I write this, more than 12,500 firefighters are battling 1,088 fires across Northern California – and windy weather over the weekend could make the situation even worse.

‘It is increasing almost hourly,’ said Carol Jolley of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as reported by USA Today. ‘We have so many fires… There's a logistical problem just getting to them.’

The fires have consumed 159,000 acres so far.

A 100-mile endurance foot race in Northern California had to be cancelled because of air pollution.

‘I've been working for this agency for 22 years, and I've never seen a level of pollution this high,’ said Andy Goodrich, director of the Air Quality Management Division of the Washoe District Health Department in Reno.

Residents in polluted areas are urged to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.

Christina Ragsdale, spokeswoman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, said, ‘We've got more than 1,000 fires burning. No matter what direction the wind is blowing, we're going to be getting some smoke from the fires.’

If you live in an area affected by the fires, wear a mask if you must go outdoors, especially if you have a respiratory condition like asthma.

Air purifiers will eliminate polluted air if it's getting inside your home or office.