The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory Thursday as a result of two wildfires burning in Orange and Riverside counties, noting that the blazes are affecting air quality throughout northern and central Orange County and much of Los Angeles County.
The AQMD’s advisory, in effect through Friday, warned that unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) levels were being recorded throughout northern Orange County and the Los Angeles area due to the Airport Fire, burning near the Corona Municipal Airport, and that the Bond Fire in Orange County was affecting air quality levels throughout central Orange County in cities such as Newport Beach, Irvine and Lake Forest, with AQI levels reaching the very unhealthy category in places.
Los Angeles County experienced unhealthy air in central Los Angeles, as well as south central, southwest coastal and south coastal areas of L.A. County and the east and south San Gabriel Valley and Pomona-Walnut Valley, according to AQMD.
“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 Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis. “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.”
There were also widespread reports of ash falling throughout Orange County, according to the AQMD advisory, which warned people in areas impacted by smoke to limit their exposure by staying indoors with doors and windows closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.
The AQMD also issued a residential no-burn day alert that prohibits the burning of wood and manufactured fire logs in fireplaces or any indoor or outdoor wood-burning device for those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Orange County and non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Long Beach city officials noted that its Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine had canceled all field permits, mobile recess and outdoor activities for after-school camp programs and at Belmont Pool until further notice.