© Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers moved Friday practice up one hour to avoid worsening air quality from the fires that ravaged parts of Butte County Thursday night.
The fires, which have killed five people, have majorly affected air quality throughout the Bay Area. As of noon, the air quality was estimated at about 177, which is considered unhealthy. The worst of it is expected to come around 2 p.m., with levels expected to approach 200, considered very unhealthy.
The 49ers expedited the practice time for that reason, though the practice itself is not expected to change much.
“I believe we will still be full speed,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said.
When Richard Sherman was asked how much he has paid attention to the fires and smoke, he said he has to.
“I got kids,” Sherman told reporters. “I just talked to my wife, making sure they’re not letting them go outside. Some of these schools, you would think it’s common sense, but you got to make sure (they’re taking care of) your kids.”
The Los Angeles Rams canceled Friday practice after a pair of fires in Ventura County ravaged parts of Southern California and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate.
The 49ers are scheduled to practice Saturday, starting at 11:55 a.m., ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup with the visiting New York Giants.