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Santa Ana Winds Prompt Windblown Ash Warning
A number of fires may be burning in Ventura County and in the Inland Empire, but the Station and Morris Fires are still causing concern for health officials. No, it's not the spread of fire or smoke this time; rather, it's ash blown by the arriving Santa Ana winds.
Ash from the fires are falling in areas of Los Angeles County, most heavily in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. Sam Atwood of the Air Quality Management District said particle levels have not yet reached unhealthy levels, but the public should take caution to minimize exposure to falling ash and soot.
"Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, and older adults and children, should limit outdoor activities in any area where ash is observed in the air" in areas with significant ash and soot in the air, an advisory said. "All residents are urged to avoid stirring ash particles into the air when cleaning up ash and soot and especially to avoid using leaf blowers when cleaning up ash."
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