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A wind-driven dust and ash warning has been extended through Wednesday night due to high winds and wildfires in Los Angeles County.
This advisory has been extended by the South Coast Air Quality Management District until Wednesday at 7 p.m. This includes most of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties in the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley.
Blowing out dust can lead to air quality index levels that are unhealthy or worse for sensitive groups. Ash from the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have burned a combined 37,800 acres in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas, could be blown away by winds.
Ash is also left behind by recent smaller fires in Sylmar and the western San Fernando Valley, as well as burn scars from last fall’s Rhine, Airport and Bridge fires.
Windblown ash particles may be too large to be detected by air quality instruments and do not affect air quality index levels, but ash particles are usually visible to the naked eye in the air or on outdoor surfaces. You can. Wind-blown ash from burned structures may contain higher levels of atmospheric toxicity
level.
Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory (Monday 13th January to Wednesday 15th January):
Strong winds can lift dust and ash from wildfire-affected areas, making conditions unhealthy for sensitive groups and increasing air quality levels: https://t.co/ Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/sjGmfJygsi
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) January 14, 2025
SCAQMD advises anyone who witnesses windblown volcanic ash to take precautions to reduce exposure.
Limit your exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, or by seeking alternative shelter. Avoid strenuous physical activity. Please turn on your air conditioner or air purifier. If possible, avoid using wetland coolers or whole-house fans that draw in outside air. Minimize dust pollution by stabilizing loose soil and reducing speed when driving on dirt roads. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, and safety glasses) when working around ash. Using a suitable mask, such as an N-95, may provide some protection. If it comes in contact with your skin, wash it off as soon as possible. Do not use leaf blowers or do any other activities that may blow ash into the air, such as dry mopping. To remove ash, use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-performance particulate air filter.
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