NorCal fires prompt air quality alert for LA/OC thru Tuesday nite

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) issued a special advisory on Monday regarding negative air quality in the South Coast Air Basin, including Orange and Los Angeles counties.

The advisory noted that smoke from the northern California wildfires had moved into the South Coast Air Basin causing air quality to deteriorate to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ levels.

Onshore winds are likely to continue pushing smoke from the fires into Los Angeles County and Orange County portions of the Basin. A low pressure system will move through the basin on Tuesday which will start to move the smoke’s impact to the east.

Areas affected will include northern, central and coastal areas of Orange and Los Angeles counties, including the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Capistrano and Saddleback valleys.

The warning lasts through at least Tuesday evening.

SCAQMD advises area residents who smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

For more tips on protecting yourself during a wildfire, see SCAQMD’s Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety Tips page : http://www.aqmd.gov/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips

Real time air quality levels can be viewed via the SCAQMD’s website at : https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=dd4a15deed8647edacb14f140ca83d05

(Image of affected areas courtesy SCAQMD)