South Coast AQMD Issues Advisory Due to Smoke from California Wildfires

Valid: Sunday, September 26 through Monday, September 27, 2021 This advisory is in effect through Monday afternoon. South Coast AQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available. Wildfires in central California are producing heavy smoke that is moving south towards the South Coast Air Basin. While the heaviest smoke will be present in the upper atmosphere across the region, impacts on surface air quality are expected in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains. As of Sunday at noon, Good and Moderate air quality index (AQI) levels are being measured throughout the region. However, elevated AQI levels are expected in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountain areas starting early Monday morning and continuing until Monday afternoon. To help keep indoor air clean during periods of poor air quality, close all windows and doors and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment. Breathing of fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing, or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Check air quality levels and take appropriate action as needed. In areas affected by wildfire smoke, the AQI may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels or higher from early Monday morning until Monday afternoon. Ozone levels not related to the smoke may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels or higher in the San Bernardino Mountains on Monday afternoon. Areas of direct impacts and poor air quality may include portions of:

• Los Angeles County: San Gabriel Mountains (Area 15)

• San Bernardino County: West San Bernardino Mountains (Area 36), Central San Bernardino Mountains (Area 37)