| Nov. 18, 2008 Although air
quality and weather conditions have improved significantly across the
Southland, air quality may reach Unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted
by smoke from the Sayre and the Freeway/Triangle Complex fires.
In addition, areas farther from the active burning may still experience
periods of air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, or
higher, when impacted by smoke.
All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor
activities in any area directly impacted by smoke. This includes areas where
residents can see or smell smoke.
Depending on the fire situation, areas of direct smoke impacts will likely
include:
• the Corona/Norco area;
• the Chino/Chino Hills area;
• North Orange County;
• the Pomona/Walnut Valley;
• the San Fernando Valley;
• portions of the San Gabriel Mountains that are near the Sayre Fire; and
• portions of the Santa Clarita Valley.
In areas with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality, sensitive or
susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease, should
minimize outdoor activity.
In areas with Unhealthy air quality and those directly impacted by smoke:
Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with
respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain
indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot
inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if
you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to
prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
For regularly updated air quality information, see the air quality map at
www.aqmd.gov.
For more tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see
http://www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/factsheets.htm.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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