Smoke advisories remain in effect in Southern California due to three major wildfires that started earlier this month.
The wildfire smoke advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday as smoke from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties affects air quality across the region.
Smoke from the Bridge and Line fires in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is expected to impact areas in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear and Mt. Baldy.
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
"Big Bear is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI category or higher on Wednesday afternoon," the SCAQMD said in a statement Tuesday. "Most other smoke-impacted areas are expected to be in the Moderate AQI category or higher."
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY UPDATE (Tuesday, September 17th): https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX#Wildfire Smoke Advisory covering the #BridgeFire, #LineFire, and #AirportFire has been extended pic.twitter.com/SwNKjEj1Ip
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) September 17, 2024
The Line Fire has burned more than 39,000 acres with containment at 49 percent. The Bridge Fire was at 54,700 acres with containment at 25 percent.
Smoke impacts from the Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties is expected to be more localized, according to the SCAQMD. The wildfire that started in Orange County before spreading to Riverside County burned 23,519 acres at 31% containment.
The agency offered the following tips for people in areas impacted by wildfire smoke.
- Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
- Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.
- If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.
