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Beware of Poor Air Quality in Valley, Downtown LA & Other Areas
A huge column of smoke from the "Freeway Complex Fire" rises into the sky near Diamond Bar over an empty 57 Freeway (AP Photo/Mike Meadows)
As fires continue to burn, offshore and onshore winds are expected to push smoke throughout the region. The South Coast Air Quality Management District says you should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in areas directly impacted by smoke. What that means is if you can see it or smell it, then take the warning seriously.
"Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors," Sam Atwood of the AQMD said. "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."
Areas expected to be affected today include Chino Hills, Orange County, Pomona/Walnut Valley, San Fernando Valley, downtown LA, coastal areas in LA County, Long Beach, Santa Clarita and areas near the San Gabriel Mountains near the Sayre Fire.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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