With the wind remaining in Southern California, various communities are at risk of ash blowing in their direction. Meteorologist David Biggar explains.
Dust and ash left behind from the January wildfires in Los Angeles County can be irritating and hazardous to health when it's picked up by winds and spread throughout Southern California.
Windblown dust and ash contain small particles that may cause irritation or exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, the LA County Health Department said. The risk is particularly dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, according to the department says in the advisory.
Here’s what you need to know.
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What is a windblown dust and ash advisory?
Dust and ash left behind from the wildfires that have devoured tens of thousands of acres across Southern California can be irritating and hazardous when inhaled. The Santa Anas are expected to exacerbate their spread.
"Air quality may reach levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse in some regions," the county's department of public health said.
What areas are most at risk of windblown dust and ash?
People downwind of recent burn scars are especially at risk.
Gusts around 25 mph are possible Wednesday evening in the Altadena area, where the Eaton Fire started Jan. 7.
"We've had a lot of ash burning off of the burn scar down into populated areas," said NBC4 meteorologist David Biggar.
Most of the ash will likely blow from the burn scar to the southwest, Biggar said. Pasadena, Eagle Rock and San Marino are some of the communities that could see ash from the burn zone.
If wind are strong enough and ash it scattered higher into the atmosphere, it will likely be more widespread, Biggar said.
How can I stay safe from windblown dust and ash?
The county’s department of public health suggests people take the following precautions.
- Stay Inside: Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or run your air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean.
- Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask to protect your lungs.
- Secure Loose Items: Tie down or bring in items like chairs, trash cans, and other outdoor belongings to prevent them from becoming hazards.
- Protect Your Eyes: If outside, wear goggles to shield your eyes from airborne ash and debris.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from local news sources for the latest on weather conditions, air quality, and potential evacuation notices.
- Be Prepared: Have a plan in place in case conditions worsen, including essential supplies and emergency contacts.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) warns that because “windblown ash particles may be too large to be detected by air quality instrumentation,” they may not be reflected in the Air Quality Index (AQI) map.
“However, they are typically visible to the naked eye either in the air or on outdoor surfaces,” the AQMD says. “Although the AQI may show green, hazardous ash may be present in the air. If you smell smoke or see ash, please take precautions.”
See the air quality map of LA County here.
