Ash Rains Over The Southland; Officials Warn Of Poor Air Quality

LOS ANGELES, CA — Ash peppered the Southland's skies through Labor Day as the smokey Bobcat Fire smoldered heavily in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa.

Residents in the area of the San Gabriel Mountains, east San Gabriel Valley and the Pomona-Walnut Valley will be directly affected, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Winds were also predicted to push smoke into Arcadia, Azusa, Glendora, Upland and the San Bernardino National Forest Sunday, the agency said.

The SCAQMD issued a smoke advisory Sunday through Monday amid a record-breaking heat wave in Los Angeles, that drove temperatures upwards of 120 degrees Sunday.

The air quality warning and the ravaging swelter also accompanied a series of power outages caused by a combination of fires that took out power lines and heat-related overuse, which effectively strangled the power grid.

Thousands packed beaches over the weekend in an attempt to escape rising temperatures and power outages, but were ultimately advised to stay inside when smoke was apparent in the air.

"If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity," said officials from the Southland's Air Quality District.