Angeles National Forest Wildfire Prompts Air Quality Warning
Angeles National Forest Wildfire Prompts Air Quality Warning
26 August 2009
published by www.knx1070.com
USA — Air quality officials issued a smoke advisory today for areas of the Southland impacted by smoke from the wildfire in the San Gabriel Canyon area of the Angeles National Forest.
“All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke,” said Sam Atwood of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.”
The fire, which started late Tuesday afternoon near Morris Dam and Reservoir, has scorched about 750 acres and was about 10 percent contained late this morning.
AQMD officials said air quality may reach the unhealthy level in the San Gabriel Valley and San Bernardino Valley areas, including the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain areas.
According to the AQMD, areas directly impacted by smoke likely will include:
— parts of the San Gabriel Mountains;
— the east San Gabriel Valley;
— the west San Bernardino Mountains; and
— the San Bernardino Valley.
In areas with unhealthy air quality, and those directly impacted by smoke, everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion.
Also, people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors, and windows and doors should be kept closed, unless it is extremely hot inside.
If an air conditioner is used, keep the “fresh air intake” closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
For updated air quality information, see the air quality map at www.aqmd.gov.
