The Southern California Air Quality Management District and LA County Public Health have issued a smoke advisory for Los Angeles due to the smoke from the fire
A raging sand fire (brush fire) in the Santa Clarita foothills near Los Angeles has burnt around 33,000 acres, according to news reports. The fire, which started on Friday, has scorched 18 homes and threatens many more.
Evacuations were carried out on Sunday as winds pushed the fire towards residences near the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles. At present, firefighters are trying hard to control the blaze.
Red sun freaks out LA as 'Sand Fire' burns at least 22,000 acres https://t.co/pHysCYUo1X pic.twitter.com/iOqHjTqZSm
— Mashable News (@MashableNews) July 24, 2016
The Southern California Air Quality Management District and LA County Public Health have issued a smoke advisory for Los Angeles due to the smoke from the fire, a press release issued by the emergency management department said.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, smoke from the sand fire has caused poor air quality that is affecting people in Central Los Angeles Area, San Fernando Valley and West San Gabriel Valley. People in these areas have been asked to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limit physical exertion.
The Los Angeles County Interim Health Officer has advised people to take precautions as ash, soot, dust, and other air-borne particles may have been deposited inside and outside homes and offices.
Ash from wildfires is relatively non-toxic and similar to ash that may be found in a home fireplace, but it may be irritating to the skin, nose and throat. Also, exposure to ash in air may trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have asthma.
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