Thousands of Southern California residents are urged to take precautions after a wildfire smoke advisory was issued for communities affected by three ongoing brush fires in the region.
Simi Valley residents, Homeland-area residents and Jurupa Valley residents are under the advisory due to the Sandy Fire, Verona Fire and Bain Fire, respectively, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) announced on Tuesday. The advisory will be in effect for those communities through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The agency warns that the air quality index for those communities may reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, elderly people and individuals with illnesses are considered to be part of sensitive groups.
“Smoke impacts can vary over time and by location,” AQMD said in a statement. “If you see ash or smell smoke, take precautions to protect your health.”
Residents who are impacted by smoke are urged to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoiding being outside if possible and running the air conditioner or an air purifier.
For a detailed map of the air quality index in Southern California, click here.