Latest news with #SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict
Saudi Gazette
10-08-2025
- Climate
- Saudi Gazette
Evacuation orders eased as California firefighters gain ground on Canyon fire
LOS ANGELES — Evacuation orders were lifted Friday in parts of southern California as firefighters made progress against a brush fire that forced thousands from their homes north of Los Angeles. The Canyon fire, which ignited Thursday in a mountainous area, had burned 8.4 square miles (21.9 square kilometers) by late morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Officials said the blaze was 28% contained, and evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings, though the threat to life and property remained. Nearly 4,200 residents in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders at the height of the fire, with another 12,500 placed under warnings. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries and were hospitalized 'out of an abundance of caution,' the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. All are expected to recover. Crews in Ventura County reported 'good progress' in suppressing the flames, crediting favorable weather and repeated water and retardant drops by South Coast Air Quality Management District issued smoke advisories for parts of Los Angeles County, warning that unhealthy air quality could persist through cautioned residents about the health risks of inhaling fine particles from wildfire smoke, which can worsen asthma, lung disease and other chronic conditions.'If first responders tell you to leave, go without hesitation,' LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, citing extreme heat and low humidity as conditions fueling rapid fire Canyon fire follows another major blaze — the Gifford wildfire — burning in Central California. Sparked in Los Padres National Forest, it has scorched 154 square miles (399 square kilometers), making it the state's largest wildfire so far this year. About 110,000 residents in Santa Maria remain on alert for possible causes of both fires are under investigation. State officials warned that wildfire risk will remain elevated through the weekend amid a heatwave, drought and dry vegetation. — Agencies
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told Not To Grill, Barbecue
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people in California have been urged to avoid grilling on Wednesday amid concerns over high air pollution levels. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution, covering major urban areas including Los Angeles, Burbank and Pasadena. An Ozone Action Day alert has also been issued in Colorado, covering the city of Denver. Downtown Los Angeles in 2019. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution on Wednesday. Downtown Los Angeles in 2019. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality alert due to harmful levels of ozone pollution on Wednesday. Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images Why It Matters The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that exposure to ozone may irritate the respiratory tract, cause airway inflammation, and aggravate existing conditions like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Vulnerable populations — such as older adults, children, and individuals with lung diseases — are at greater risk. What To Know In California, the AQMD — the air pollution control agency for Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties — issued an ozone advisory spanning most of its jurisdiction. It urged people in affected regions to avoid sources of pollution such as grilling, fireplaces, candles and incense. "Keep windows and doors closed; run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier; do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air if you have other methods to stay cool," it said in a notice published by the NWS. "Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours; try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening." Ozone concentrations are forecast to remain lower in coastal regions, it added. This AQMD map shows the California areas affected by its ozone advisory. This AQMD map shows the California areas affected by its ozone advisory. South Coast AQMD In Colorado, an ozone action day alert is in effect for the Front Range Urban Corridor. Counties affected by the warning include Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer, and Weld. "Hot and dry weather on Wednesday may allow ozone to reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups in the northern portions of the Front Range region," the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said in a notice published by the NWS. "If possible, please help us reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving gas and diesel-powered vehicles until at least 4 p.m." The AQI measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above. 0–50: Good. Air quality is satisfactory. Good. Air quality is satisfactory. 51–100: Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. 151–200: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. 201–300: Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. 301 and above: Hazardous. The air quality requires a health warning of emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to be affected. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham told Newsweek previously: "Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it's not emitted directly from sources, but is formed through chemical reactions. These reactions require sunlight and higher temperatures, making warmer months more prone to ozone formation. When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels." The AQMD wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "OZONE ADVISORY (Monday, July 7 - Thursday, July 10): elevated smog levels expected as high temperatures are predicted to persist through the week." What Happens Next The alert in California is set to remain in force until 8 p.m. local time on Thursday. The warning in Colorado is in force until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Regular updates are issued by the NWS on its website.
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Thousands in California Told Not to Barbecue on July 4
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thousands of Californians planning outdoor July 4 celebrations have been urged to avoid barbecuing because of a regional air quality alert in effect this weekend. The National Weather Service issued an alert for parts of Southern California, warning of "harmful" levels of fine particle pollution across Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Why It Matters Authorities warn that particle pollution can penetrate deeply into the lungs and may lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups and trouble breathing. While anyone can be affected, the risk is higher for vulnerable groups—such as individuals with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant people, children and those who spend extended time outside. The downtown Los Angeles skyline with the snow-covered San Gabriel Mountains in the background on February 7, 2019. The downtown Los Angeles skyline with the snow-covered San Gabriel Mountains in the background on February 7, 2019. Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) also issued a particle advisory because of the potential effects of fireworks on air quality. "Fireworks release high levels of particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) and air toxic metals, with July 4th and July 5th typically having among the highest particle pollution levels every year in the South Coast Air Basin," it said. "Personal 'backyard' fireworks may lead to localized spikes in particle pollution levels and may spark wildfires, which can be a major source of particle pollution," it added. "The smoke and combustion products from fireworks add to the particles already present in the Basin that are primarily caused by transportation and industrial emissions," the South Coast AQMD continued. Areas affected included major cities, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Monica and Long Beach. South Coast AQMD said that on Friday, light winds combined with heightened emissions from fireworks after dusk were expected to raise pollution levels in the South Coast Air Basin. As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) could at times reach the hazardous range in much of Los Angeles and Orange counties as well as the Inland Empire. On Saturday, according to South Coast AQMD, particle pollution levels are expected to stay elevated into the morning, then decline during the day as winds help disperse the pollutants. The AQI may again occasionally reach the hazardous range, with inland areas likely experiencing these high levels for a longer duration than coastal regions. A map issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District highlighting which areas could be affected by the alert. A map issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District highlighting which areas could be affected by the alert. South Coast AQMD Residents in affected areas are advised to take steps to help keep indoor air clean when the outdoor air quality is poor—including keeping windows and doors closed and avoiding other sources of pollution, such as fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling and gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment. The AQI measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above. 0–50: Good. Air quality is satisfactory. 51–100: Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, with potential concerns for sensitive individuals. 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air quality may affect people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant individuals. 151–200: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and sensitive groups may see more serious effects. 201–300: Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Very Unhealthy. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. 301 and above: Hazardous. The air quality requires a health warning of emergency conditions, and everyone is more likely to be affected. What People Are Saying Jonathan Grigg, a professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek that there are "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. He added: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults." The South Coast Air Quality Management District wrote on X on Thursday: "#FIREWORKS PARTICLE POLLUTION ADVISORY (July 4-5): Poor air quality due to #IndependenceDay fireworks is likely this #FourthofJuly holiday. Personal 'backyard' fireworks also contribute to this air pollution and may lead to negative health effects." What Happens Next The National Weather Service said the air quality alerts were in effect from 5 p.m. on July 4 to 11:59 p.m. on July 5.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
More than 320,000 in California Told To Keep Windows Closed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wildfire smoke in Southern California has prompted officials to issue an air quality alert for roughly 320,000 people until 6 p.m. local time on Monday. A spokesperson with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) told Newsweek the advisory could be extended, and if so, an extension would be issued by Monday afternoon. Why It Matters The smoke is coming from two wildfires, the Wolf fire in Banning Pass and the Mindy fire in the Anza area, the AQMD advisory said. Both fires ignited on Sunday afternoon. As of the most recent update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Wolf fire in Riverside County is at 1,400 acres and 0 percent contained. The Mindy Fire, also in Riverside County, is at 100 acres and 70 percent contained. What to Know The air quality alert is impacting the cities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta, and Coachella. The most recent U.S. Census data estimates that around 320,000 people live in the impacted areas. Wildfire smoke can cause harmful fine particle pollution levels that affect everyone, the alert said. People are encouraged to take several actions to protect their health against the impacts of smoke: remain indoors with windows and doors closed; avoid intense outdoor physical activity; run the air conditioner and/or an air purifier; wear an N-95 mask if you must spend time outdoors; do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers; avoid other sources of pollution like fireplaces, candles, incense, grilling, and gas-powered equipment. A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting a forest fire. A stock photo shows a helicopter fighting a forest fire. Toa55/Getty "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," the alert said. "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 air quality alert will remain in place until 6 p.m. local time Monday evening. An extreme heat warning also remains in place for part of Southern California on Monday. Northern California also faces a wildfire threat, with a red flag warning in place. "Lightning from dry thunderstorms can create new fire starts and combined with gusty winds may cause a fire to rapidly grow in Oregon and northern California," a forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) said. What People Are Saying South Coast AQMD in an air quality alert: "Based on webcam and satellite imagery, winds are transporting the smoke from the Wolf and Mindy wildfires to the north into the Banning Pass and San Bernardino mountains, and into the San Jacinto wilderness and Hemet." CAL FIRE in an update about the Wolf Fire: "Firefighters made good progress over night. Multiple aircraft along with hundreds of firefighters on the ground, will continue to establish containment lines. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place." What Happens Next The cause of each fire remains under investigation. Evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted for the Mindy fire but remain in place for the Wolf fire.
Los Angeles Times
27-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Fireworks are out of control in L.A. Here are 5 things experts wish you knew
One thing I still can't get used to living in L.A. is the Bayhem-level of firepower Angelenos bring to bear on the Fourth of July. My neighbors have already started setting them off. By all accounts — and there are many — we are living in the illegal firework capital of the United States. That's not just because all fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, which the doctors, public safety officials and pollution experts I talked to about their dangers are at pains to point out. Many immigrant Angelenos come from cultures where DIY fireworks are common, and we're an easy drive from places where they're cheap and legal. With few exceptions, the penalty for setting off professional-grade pyrotechnics is small and difficult to enforce. Nationwide, the problem is much bigger now than it ever was. In 2024, almost 15,000 Americans were treated for firework-related injuries — a jump of more than 50% from the year prior, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2025 alone, Cal Fire and its partner agencies have confiscated more than 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. Still, the folks who most want you to stop buying M80s — city managers, ER doctors, Smokey the Bear — know their pleas fall on deaf ears. The quest to save fingers, lungs, palm trees and the state budget from fireworks was described to me as 'quixotic' and 'Sisyphean.' Even January's firestorm is unlikely to tame our passion for pyrotechnics, they said. At least one expert told me he thinks 2025 will be 'worse than it's ever been,' describing fireworks as a kind of Freudian pressure valve for communities on edge. Here are five things experts wish you knew about your cache of emotional-support explosives. 'We have among the worst air quality in the country on the night of July 4 into July 5,' Dr. Scott Epstein of the South Coast Air Quality Management District said. 'Over the past 15 years, we have seen an upward trend.' Remember those two dozen semitrucks worth of confiscated fireworks I mentioned earlier? Golden State taxpayers foot the bill to ship them to Ohio, Hawaii and Massachusetts to dispose of. 'Think about packaging up a couple thousand pounds of fireworks and sending them to Ohio — it's going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars,' said Cmdr. David Barrett, head of MySafe:LA. Multiply that a couple hundred thousand times, you're looking at a budget black hole. 'The number one thing kids tell us is: 'We don't want fireworks, but our parents bought them,'' Barrett told me. 'The message doesn't need to be for kids, it needs to be for parents,' he said. 'Something like: 'How do you feel about your kid having four fingers?'' 'The things I've seen the most are loss of a finger or a hand, or severe damage to the eye,' said Dr. Jeremy Swisher, a sports medicine doctor in the orthopedics department at UCLA. 'Burns are the most common.' Many of those burns come from sparklers. 'When it's over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, holding it for a few seconds can cause a lot of damage,' the doctor explained. 'It can cause deeper burns into the skin, which can lead to the need for skin grafting, many surgeries and needing to stay in the hospital for a week or more.' 'If you look forward to the next three years, we have the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the year after that we have the Olympics,' Barrett said. 'They're all summer events, so the potential for out-of-control fireworks is significant.' 'The last thing we need is for the Hollywood Hills to burn down because of fireworks.' Today's great photo is from Times contributor Yasara Gunawardena. This year's jacaranda bloom in L.A. was short a few trees following the January wildfires, but experts say many burned trees will recover. Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorAndrew Campa, Sunday writerKarim Doumar, head of newsletters How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on
