Particle Pollution Advisory Extended Due to Warehouse Fire

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), a particle pollution advisory has been extended until Tuesday, 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.

Regulatory monitors and sensors measured PM2.5 levels that showed improved Air Quality Index (AQI) beginning around 1:00 PM Sunday in Central and Southeast Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and the San Fernando Valley. AQI levels near the fire were still elevated, with Very Unhealthy conditions measured throughout the day in Boyle Heights. Other areas were Good to Moderate for PM2.5.

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.

Use central HVAC if available and set it to recirculate (do not bring in outdoor air). Keep it running if possible.

Use a high-efficiency HVAC filter (MERV 13 or higher if your system allows). Replace it more often during smoke events.

Avoid systems that bring in outdoor air, including whole house fans and swamp coolers (evaporative coolers), during smoke conditions.

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/.

For schools experiencing smoke or ash impacts or located within a South Coast AQMD air quality advisory area, follow applicable emergency alerts, public health guidance, and air quality advisories. Consider limiting outdoor activities, avoiding vigorous outdoor exercise, providing indoor options during outdoor periods for students and staff who are sensitive to smoke or air pollution, and ensuring HVAC systems are operating properly and equipped with the highest-efficiency compatible filters.

To view current air quality in your neighborhood, download the South Coast AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.

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