Committed Climbers Taking to Californian Crags Donning Gas Masks During Wildfire Season

The Ferguson fire in Yosemite has created toxic air and is raining ash. This still doesn’t stop @ryansheridan from getting a couple laps in on a boulder. #gasmask #fergusonfire #bouldering #livewithoutlimits #adidasterrex #adiout #fiveten #brandofthebrave #heretocreate #adidasoutdoor #adidas #terrex #adidasnmd #adidassuperstar @adidasterrex @fiveten_official

A post shared by Justin Olsen (@justinreedolsen) on Aug 2, 2018 at 4:22pm PDT

Climbing areas across the west are too smokey for most climbers to risk the effects of heavy smoke on the lungs. Despite the nice weather, most crags that are often busy this time of year have attracted few climbers, due to the wildfire smoke and negative health effects the poor air quality brings. Most climbers are seeking climbs elsewhere or climbing indoors.

Yosemite Valley was evacuated a few weeks ago, but not before locals managed to get some photos wearing gas masks while climbing.