Los Angeles County officials are warning the public to exercise caution due to the dangerously high amounts of smoke that are hovering over the county from the numerous wildfires that are now raging throughout the area.
Because of the risk to kids posed by the air quality, authorities from the Los Angeles Unified School District decided to close all of the schools on Thursday and Friday. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho talked on how urgent it is to protect workers and pupils as long as the dangerous conditions exist.
During a press conference on Thursday, Carvalho stated, “Fires may be far away from some communities where we have schools, but winds are transporting particulate matter, smoke, and ashes across the entire district.” “And yes, we celebrate when the winds subside because that allows more effective combatting of fires, but when the winds subside, often that cloud of smoke lingers over certain communities.”
Due to the hazardous air that the flames are producing, a wildfire smoke alert is still in effect for large areas of Southern California. The South Coast Air Quality Management initially issued it early in the week, and it was extended until at least Friday night.
As of Thursday, the majority of Los Angeles County is at unhealthy to hazardous levels according to the most recent Air Quality Index data.
Carvalho declared, “Smoke is the enemy for us.”
Residents who must be outside at all times are advised by AQMD officials to consider using a P100 respirator or a well fitted N95 mask because wildfire smoke usually contains high amounts of PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, which is particularly harmful when inhaled.
Additionally, district officials increased the number of food facilities that opened on LAUSD campuses, bringing the total to 16. Additionally, 30 YMCA facilities were made available to students who needed the daily supplies that their schools normally provide.
To assist families in need, several local businesses are providing free masks and other services.