LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Several brush fires continued to foul the air in Los Angeles and Orange counties Thursday, with an advisory extended through Thursday evening.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory, which was in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Portions of Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties were under the same order.
Southland residents were smelling smoke in the air from the Sandy Fire, which burned more than 2,100 acres in Simi Valley and was 30% contained, fire officials said.
Two fires were burning in Riverside County: The Bain Fire in Jurupa Valley and the Verona Fire in Homeland.
Additionally, the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Santa Barbara County, which broke out Friday, was also sending smoke into the air over parts of Los Angeles County.
“Widespread moderate smoke impacts are expected across the LA Basin, Catalina Island, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley,” according to the SCAQMD. “The Sandy Fire is expected to directly impact areas from Simi Valley to (the) San Fernando Valley and out to Arcadia where (the) Air Quality Index may reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups category or higher at times.”
According to officials:
–The Bain and Verona Fires are expected to directly impact portions of the Inland Empire where the AQI may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category or higher at times;
–Smoke from the Santa Rosa Island and Sandy fires that is already over the ocean was expected to come onshore overnight; and
–Weak winds are forecasted over the coming days, limiting smoke dispersion out of the region.
Depending on fire activity, smoke conditions were expected to improve Friday in areas not adjacent to active fires.
Officials advised the following precautions:
— Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter;
— Avoid vigorous physical activity;
— Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;
— Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling; and
— If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.
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