Los Angeles and much of Southern California were met with a regional air quality alert on Saturday, following July 4th festivities and the state’s largest wildfire of the year.
With the Madre Fire expanding to nearly 80,000 acres after igniting on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County, strong winds have pushed the smoke down to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, where lingering smoke from Independence Day fireworks contributes to “hazardous” particle pollution levels, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).
The AQMD’s advisory is in effect until 11:59pm on Saturday, applying to Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
In addition to sparking wildfires, the particle pollution from fireworks “can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease,” according to the AQMD.
Residents are encouraged to limit exposure by remaining indoors with doors and windows closed, avoid rigorous physical activity and run an air conditioner or purifier.
As of Saturday evening, the Madre Fire was at 79,936 acres and 10% contained. The cause is still under investigation.
