| November 17, 2008 An
afternoon sea breeze today could spread wildfire smoke across wide areas of
the Southland including portions of the Inland Empire, causing air quality
in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or higher.
In addition, areas directly impacted by smoke from the ongoing Sayre and
Freeeway/Triangle Complex fires will experience Unhealthy air quality.
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.
A weakening offshore breeze and the return of an afternoon sea breeze are
forecast for today. The sea breeze may transport smoke from the coastal area
as far as the Inland Empire.
Depending on the continuing fire situation, areas of direct smoke impacts
and Unhealthy air quality will likely include:
- the Corona/Norco Area;
- the Chino Hills area;
- the Pomona/Walnut Valley;
- Orange County;
- the San Fernando Valley;
- portions of the San Gabriel Mountains near the Sayre Fire;
- portions of the Santa Clarita Valley; and
- portions of Los Angeles County, including downtown, coastal areas, the
Long Beach area and the west and south San Gabriel 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 live 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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