As the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles County continue to burn, air quality monitors extended the current smoke alert.
“Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it’s important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family’s health,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, the county’s health officer.
The Department of Public Health has stated that the advisory will remain in effect until at least Sunday, January 12 at 10 p.m. Smoke has been released into the air near the Pacific Palisades, northwest LA County coast, Altadena, Pasadena, San Fernando, and the communities close to the Palisades, Eaton, and the well controlled Hurst fires.
Burning eyes, runny noses, scratchy throats, headaches, and illnesses like bronchitis are all brought on by the mixture of tiny particles, gasses, and water vapor found in wildfire smoke. Children, the elderly, and those with heart, respiratory, or weakened immune systems.
“Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy,” warned Davis. “However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.”
Everyone in locations where smoke is visible or simply smelled is advised by public health officials to avoid needless outdoor exposure and to abstain from activity. If you have to go outside, put on a P100 or N95 mask.
In order to recirculate air and filter out pollutants, they also advised operating air conditioners with windows and doors closed. According to Public Health, if your home becomes too hot and you don’t have air conditioning, you should go to a library, mall, or any other public location to stay cool and stay safe.
The LA Unified School District closed all of its campuses last Thursday and Friday due to concerns about the air quality.
It’s possible that strong winds will persist until Sunday afternoon.