Air worsens as Southern California wildfires rage

Wildfire smoke settled into valleys last night near the fires. Smoke will likely linger in these areas until this afternoon when onshore ocean breezes are expected to move smoke across the valleys and into the mountains.

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke. This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke. Unhealthy air quality will occur in areas of direct smoke impact, especially near the fires. These areas will likely include:

• portions of the San Gabriel Mountains;
• the West San Bernardino Mountains;
• the Santa Clarita Valley;
• the San Fernando Valley;
• Central Los Angeles County;
• the East San Gabriel Valley;
• the West San Gabriel Valley; and
• the Hemet/San Jacinto Area.

Areas with Unhealthy air quality and those directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

For regularly updated air quality information, see the air quality map at www.aqmd.gov. For more tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.