Due to the Hughes Fire in Castaic, air quality monitors in Southern California issued a smoke advisory on Wednesday.
The warning will remain in effect until Thursday, January 23, at 10 p.m. Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and northern Los Angeles County are all impacted.
The I-5 Freeway Corridor near Castaic Lake, Santa Clarita, and the San Gabriel Mountains are all expected to be significantly impacted by the smoke, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and the San Fernando Valley can potentially be impacted.
Around 10:45 a.m., the Hughes Fire broke out close to Castaic Lake, off Lake Hughes Road, just north of Castaic Reservoir Road. By late Wednesday afternoon, it had expanded to almost 9,400 acres and had rapidly engulfed the nearby dry scrub.
From Six Flags Magic Mountain entertainment park, a plume of smoke was seen due to the incident.
Affected people were advised by AQMD officials to stay indoors, keep their windows and doors closed, and run air conditioning or an air purifier. Steer clear of whole-house fans or swamp coolers that draw air from the outdoors.
Additionally, residents should refrain from using a firepit or fireplace to burn wood. The AQMD recommended against pan-frying, grilling, smoking incense, and burning candles.
Wearing a N95 or P100 respirator that fits properly is recommended for everyone who must go outside in the smoke alert area.