Officials Warn Of Unhealthy Air Quality Due To Apple Fire

BANNING, CA – The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended its smoke advisory through Tuesday afternoon due to the Apple Fire.

Additionally, Riverside County health officials are urging residents to take precautions due to unhealthy air quality levels from smoke and ash from the Apple Fire.

The wildfire is burning near Banning and impacting the San Gorgonio pass and communities in and around the San Jacinto Mountains. Health officials said those who live in the area should avoid strenuous activity, remain indoors with the air conditioning on, and window and doors closed.

Residents should also keep the indoor air fresh with a clean filtering system to prevent from bringing smoke inside.

“Residents throughout portions of the San Gorgonio Pass, particularly those living or working near the fire, need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe,” Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer, said in a news release Monday afternoon.

According to health officials, wildfire smoke can cause a range of health issues, which include burning eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, scratchy throat, headaches and chest pains. Smoke can also worsen chronic heart and lung disease.

A state-operated coronavirus testing site at the Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont has been closed due to the Apple fire and will open at the Beaumont Women's Club at 306 E. 6th Street. The move is effectively immediately and will be in place until further notice, according to health officials. Those with existing appointments have been notified. More information can be found online.

“We have taken a number of precautions to ensure everyone is safe while they are evacuated,” Bruce Barton, director of the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department, said in the release. “In addition to sheltering away from smoke, we implemented expanded precautions to ensure evacuated residents are protected from COVID with screening, physical distancing, sanitation stations and a number of other safety measures.”

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