Wildfire Smoke Causes Unhealthy Air Quality Across Southland

LOS ANGELES, CA — Smoke from fires burning near Lake Hughes and in Azusa will continue to cause unhealthy air quality Sunday throughout large parts of Los Angeles County.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, air quality is unhealthy Sunday in the east San Gabriel Valley and San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Clarita Valley, and the Pomona-Walnut Valley.

"It is difficult to tell where smoke, ash or soot from a fire will go, or how winds will affect the level of these particles in the air, so we ask everyone to remember that smoke and ash can be harmful to health, even for people who are healthy," said Muntu Davis, the county's health officer. "If you can see smoke, soot, or ash, or you can smell smoke, pay attention to your immediate environment and take precautions to safeguard your health. These precautions are particularly important for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases."

The AQMD recommends limiting outdoor exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

"We are also advising day camps that are in session in smoke-impacted areas to suspend outside recreational activities, such as hiking or picnics, until conditions improve," Davis said.

City News Service