San Juan Capistrano Residents May See Smoky Conditions

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA —Do you smell smoke in San Juan Capistrano? Smoke from Chaparral Fire burning in Riverside and San Diego counties is drifting into parts of inland and coastal Orange County, prompting air quality regulators to issue a smoke advisory for Monday. Tuesday's air quality was expected to improve.

The fire, which broke out Saturday at the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, was 13 percent contained and had burned at least 1,500 acres.

Areas downwind of the fire will experience the highest AQI levels due to smoke impacts, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for major portions of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

The agency warned that breathing in 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.

To help keep indoor air clean during periods of poor air quality, the AQMD advises that people close all windows and doors and run an air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air.

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.

For more information, visit www.aqmd.gov.