The National Weather Service reports that smoke from nearby wildfires is causing harmful air pollution in parts of Southern California this weekend.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an Air Quality Alert on Friday night in response to the Canyon Fire near Lake Piru, which had burned over 5,300 acres by Saturday morning.
According to the NWS, the alert was issued in response to harmful fine particle pollution.
“Particles in wildfire smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing,” according to a warning. “Everyone can be affected, but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.”
The alert covers the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, as well as the Inland Empire. It expires Sunday morning in the Santa Clarita Valley, but Saturday night at 8 p.m. everywhere else.
The NWS recommends the following tips for those who may be at risk for smoke exposure:
- Remain indoors with windows and doors closed
- Avoid intense outdoor physical activity
- Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier
- If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a well-fitting N-95 mask
- Do not use whole-house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool
- Avoid other sources of pollution such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment
