The South Coast AQMD Sunday extended the Smoke Advisory prompted by the Post Fire as smoke continues to impact the Santa Clarita Valley and Castaic areas.
Northwesterly winds are expected to continue pushing smoke from the Post Fire southeast toward the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, and parts of the Angeles National Forest through Monday afternoon.
The blaze, which originated in the Gorman area, had burned around 12,265 acres and was just 2% contained as of Sunday morning. It prompted the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Pyramid Lake was also closed, and street closures were in place south of Ralphs Ranch Road at Quail Lake Road.
The fire was moving southeast toward Lake Pyramid and pushing up into Hungry Valley Park on Sunday, and crews were working to construct perimeter lines around the fire flank.
A National Weather Service Wind Advisory was in effect Sunday morning, but winds were expected to increase in strength from 9 p.m. to midnight, possibly reaching 65 mph at the ridge tops.
Air Quality Index levels were expected to reach unhealthy or higher in areas impacted by smoke.
Residents were encouraged to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or by seeking immediate shelter, avoid vigorous physical activity and run air conditioning and/or air purifiers.
In addition, it’s best to avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air. Residents should also avoid burning wood in fireplaces or fire pits. And, if one absolutely must be outside, a properly fit N95 mask or P100 respirator may provide some protection.