Strong Santa Ana winds are blowing through the Palisades and Eaton burn scars, prompting air quality monitors in Southern California to issue an ash and dust alert for the whole Los Angeles County.
The anticipated duration of the windblown advisory is 10 a.m. on Monday through 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The counties of Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside were also impacted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s notice.
A cloud of ash from the Eaton Fire was blown into the air by the strong winds, causing the Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College to close early. The center is scheduled to reopen Tuesday at 9 a.m., according to a representative of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Nearly 40,000 acres in Altadena and Pacific Palisades were burnt by the two wildfires. Together with the burned-out landscape, the two flames destroyed or severely damaged about 17,000 buildings, leveling entire neighborhoods.
According to officials, windblown ashis are usually too big to be picked up by the devices that calculate the air quality index. The current “good to moderate” ranking is unaffected by them.
“Ash particles are typically visible to the naked eye either in the air or on outdoor surfaces,” warned the AQMD. “Windblown ash from burned structures contains air toxins.”
Residents were urged by AQMD to take the appropriate safety measures to limit their exposure to those pollutants.
“In short, although the AQI may show green, it is best to reduce exposure as the forecasted high wind events can carry ash throughout the region from the active Palisades and Eaton wildfires as well as Hurst, Kenneth, Line, Airport, and Bridge fire burn scars,” they stated.
They suggest using a respirator mask such as the N-95 or P-100, staying indoors, minimizing physical activity, utilizing an air purifier or HVAC system with a clean filter, and avoiding indoor combustion sources including fireplaces, candles, and wood-burning appliances.
It is highly recommended that anyone who comes into contact with ash wash it off right away. Ash should not be near children or pets.
Ash can be cleaned and disposed of by softly misting it with water and then sweeping it with a broom or wet mop, according to officials. However, a leaf blower should never be used. Once the swept ashes are placed into a plastic bag or other container that keeps them from being stirred up again, they can be disposed of with regular trash.