Particle Pollution Advisory Extended due to Warehouse Fire

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), a particle pollution advisory is in effect until Saturday, 12:30 p.m. The smoke from a large structure fire in Boyle Heights that started around 2:30 p.m. on June 17 is impacting air quality east of downtown Los Angeles. As of 12 p.m. on Friday, the fire is actively smoldering and firefighting efforts are likely to continue. A particle pollution advisory indicates that fine particle levels (like smoke or dust) threaten to exceed health standards.

This is an evolving incident, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues to monitor the situation. Residents should continue to follow guidance from responding agencies. Smoke exposure may cause temporary irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Individuals experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant respiratory distress, should seek medical attention immediately.

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of poor air quality:

If you smell smoke or see smoke or ash at ground level, avoid vigorous physical activity and remain indoors with doors and windows closed.

Run an air purifier if available.

Avoid using a whole house fan or swamp cooler as they can bring polluted air indoors.

If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.

Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present.

If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.

Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.

If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.

Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.

To stay updated with real-time/forecasted Air Quality in your area, download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: http://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp (Also available in Spanish!) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.

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