Blowing Dust, Ash Near Holy Fire Prompt Warning From RivCo Health

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Riverside County health officials this week urged residents living near the burn scar of the Holy Fire to limit outdoor activities as strong Santa Ana winds whip up dust and ash in the region.

The Holy Fire, which broke out Aug. 6 and burned for several days, charred more than 23,000 acres — and that means there are tens of thousands of acres of ash-covered wilderness out there, health officials said.

"The winds that have blown for several days have left portions of the county west of Interstate 15 and south of Highway 91 covered in a layer of brown ash and dust," officials said.

Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said it's best for those living nearby to stay indoors when possible.

"Unhealthy air has health risks, and the winds can change air quality in a hurry," Kaiser said. “Even healthy individuals should reduce activity until the dust settles, but especially people with asthma and other health problems need to take particular care.”

Kaiser added the the very young and elderly may be more impacted by breathing the dust and ash.

— Image courtesy: Mark Ritter