San Juan Capistrano Could See Hazy Skies From NorCal Wildfires

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —Smoke from central and northern California's wildfires is drifting into the Southland, including San Juan Capistrano. South Coast Air Quality Management District advised that air quality throughout Southern California, including Orange County, would be affected into Wednesday with moderate air quality. Coastal air will be good Tuesday, and was expected to be moderate quality on Wednesday, they said.

A statement issued by the district says that smoke in the upper atmosphere will impact the region. The Los Angeles mountains and Coachella Valley will be most affected by smoky conditions, they say.

Orange County will be largely spared the vast majority of the smoky air, while Los Angeles County, San Gabriel Mountain area, all of Riverside County, and San Bernardino will be shrouded in smoke.

Orange County's coastal air quality was good Tuesday morning. However, the district said that all of Orange County's air quality would be in the moderate range Wednesday. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion on moderate air quality days, the district advises.

For those living in areas most affected by the smoky air, the AQMD advises that people close all windows and doors and run an air conditioner and/or an air purifier. Breathing in the fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing, or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

If possible, do not use whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air, they said.

People should also avoid burning wood in a fireplace or firepit, minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying and grilling, and limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.

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