Unhealthy Air Alert In Southwest Riverside County, South Orange County: What To Know

AGUANGA, CA — Many Southwest Riverside County and South Orange County residents woke to sepia-toned skies, ash-dusted cars, and unhealthy air quality from the Highland Fire in Aguanga, and a 1,200-acre grass fire in Camp Pendleton, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The agency issued a wildfire smoke advisory that will remain in place until Thursday morning. The air quality index levels is listed as Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

On Wednesday, the Highland Fire, burning east of Temecula, reached over 2,250 acres in size and was just 15 percent contained. Three homes have been destroyed in the blaze, and 4,000 people remain evacuated from their homes as firefighters worked to develop containment lines.

Meanwhile, smoky air was projected to blow westward over Southwest Riverside County and parts of Orange County into Thursday, according to the AQMD.

Temecula, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore skies, as well as San Clemente and Dana Point in South Orange County, would all be affected by unhealthy air.

Residents in the affected areas were urged to limit their exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, running air conditions or air purifiers, and avoiding vigorous outdoor physical activity, a spokesperson for the AQMD said.

If you have a whole-house fan, leave it off, according to the agency. Residents should also avoid using swamp coolers or allowing outside air inside their homes.

Read more about the Highland Fire:

Inferno In Photos: SoCal Windstorm Contributes To Swift-Burning Fire

Livestock Evacuated From Highland Fire Find Shelter In San Jacinto

3 Families Lose Everything In The Highland Fire: How To Help