Terrible air quality, smoky conditions in parts of Southern California due to fires

Two fires burning in the mountains of Southern California have caused major air quality concerns in some regions as wildfire smoke spreads.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert Monday due to elevated fine particle pollution levels because of the wildfire smoke and ozone air pollution.

Officials caution residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed or find alternative shelter if they smell smoke or see ash from the wildfire. People should also run air conditioners and air purifiers and avoid any vigorous physical activity, according to the agency.

The Line fire in San Bernardino had grown to 20,553 acres in four days and was 3% contained Monday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In L.A. County, the Bridge fire quickly chewed up 800 acres Sunday and had Angeles Forest visitors and some residents fleeing the flames. The fire was 0% contained Monday morning.

According to the agency’s map, very unhealthy air levels were detected in the Chino Valley and San Bernardino areas, unhealthful levels in the eastern San Gabriel Valley as well as Pomona, Perris, Corona, Riverside areas and far northern Orange County. Much of the Los Angeles Basin and Orange County had moderate air quality.

The Highland area, near the Line fire, had hazardous air quality.

Lung disease, asthma attacks and acute bronchitis can result from exposure to particle pollution, officials said. Older adults, children and people with respiratory or heart disease are more susceptible to health issues resulting from the poor air quality.