What to KnowA smoke advisory issued earlier this week by the South Coast Air Quality Management District was extended until 10 p.m. Thursday.The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley and the Bain and Verona fires in Riverside County started this week and continue to burn. Weak winds are forecasted over the coming days, limiting smoke dispersal.
A smoke advisory for a broad swath of Southern California was extended into Thursday night due to brush fires in Los Angeles and Riverside counties.
The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley and the Bain and Verona fires in Riverside County have resulted in diminished air quality this week for several counties. A smoke advisory issued earlier this week by the South Coast Air Quality Management District was extended until 10 p.m. Thursday.
“Widespread moderate smoke impacts are expected across the LA Basin, Catalina Island, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley,” according to the SCAQMD. “The Sandy Fire is expected to directly impact areas from Simi Valley to (the) San Fernando Valley and out to Arcadia where (the) Air Quality Index may reach the unhealthy for sensitive groups category or higher at times.”
The Bain and Verona Fires are expected to directly impact portions of the Inland Empire where the AQI may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category or higher at times.
Smoke from a brush fire on Santa Rosa Island and Sandy fires that is already over the ocean was expected to come onshore overnight.
Weak winds are forecasted over the coming days, limiting smoke dispersal and allowing it to linger. Depending on fire activity, smoke conditions were expected to improve Friday in areas not adjacent to fires.
Here’s some advice from the SCAQMD.
Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
Avoid vigorous physical activity.
Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.
If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.
Where wildfires are burning in Southern California
The Sandy Fire started Monday in the Ventura County community of Simi Valley northwest of Los Angeles. The fire was at nearly 2,115 acres with containment at 22 percent Wednesday evening.
The Bain Fire started Tuesday north of the Riverside County community of Jurupa Valley. The fire was at nearly 1,460 acres with containment at 39 percent Thursday morning.
The Verona Fire started Tuesday in the Riverside County community of Homeland. Flames burned 600 acres with containment Wednesday evening at 30 percent.
The fire on Santa Rosa Island started Friday.