IE Air Quality Suffers Under Smoky Skies From Shore Fire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — The Inland Empire woke to poor air quality in many areas due to the current fire burning in Riverside County. The Southern California Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert due to increased levels of fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke.

That poor air quality was prevalent in Beaumont, Banning and Moreno Valley as a direct result of smoke-filled skies from the Shore Fire. They were expected to remain that way until at least 5 p.m. Tuesday. Residents near the San Gorgonio Pass, the Coachella Valley, Lake Elsinore and Hemet-San Jacinto Valley would all be impacted through Tuesday evening, according to the most recent reports.

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"Levels of particle pollution can vary by time and location depending on fire activity and local weather conditions," the SCAQMD said. "Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks and difficulty breathing."

Everyone can be affected by the poor air quality, residents with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.

Precautionary Actions When Faced With Poor Air Quality:

To protect your health, if you smell or see smoke:

• Remain indoors with windows and doors closed
• Avoid intense outdoor physical activity
• Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
• If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a well- fitting N-95 mask
• Do not use whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool
• Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment