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Holy fire smoke health risk advisory issued for Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties

by in News

Smoke and ash originating from a wildfire that has burned roughly 4,000 acres since Monday, Aug. 6 has degraded air quality to unhealthy levels in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

An advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) on Tuesday, Aug. 7 identified the potential for increased respiratory health risks in areas within the path of winds moving west and southwest from the Holy fire that started in Orange County’s Trabuco Canyon. The warning extends through most of Orange County, and as far east as Yucaipa in San Bernardino County, and will be in effect through at least Wednesday morning.

“We are not seeing rain or anything in the forecast that might disperse the smoke in the air,” said AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood. “Given that the fire is currently zero percent contained, we may see these conditions persist for a period of days.”

  • A plane drops fire retardant along a ridge during the Holy fire burning in the Cleveland National Forest near Corona, Calif. on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Firefighters are working in rugged terrain amid scorching temperatures that have prompted warnings about excessive heat and extreme fire danger for much of the region. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Smoke rises in the background and fine pieces of ash float in this Corona, Calif. neighborhood along De Palma and Santiago Canyon Roads. Firefighters continue to battle Holy fire burning Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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  • Jose Melero came armed with a breathing mask while delivering packages in this Corona, Calif. neighborhood near Indian Canyon. Smoke rises in the distance beyond the hills but it doesn’t smell like a barbecue. Firefighters continue to battle Holy fire burning Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Spot fires are seen in the distance of this Corona, Calif. neighborhood along Santiago Canyon near De Palma Roads. Firefighters continue to battle Holy fire burning Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Jose Melero came armed with a breathing mask while delivering packages in this Corona, Calif. neighborhood near Indian Canyon. Firefighters continue to battle Holy fire burning Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Jose Melero decided to wear a breathing mask while driving in his open air truck and delivering packages. Small pieces of ash float in this Corona, Calif. neighborhood near Indian Canyon. Firefighters continue to battle the Holy fire burning in the Cleveland National Forest on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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If inhaled, smoke and particulate can irritate the lungs and cardiovascular system, exacerbating preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma. The very young and the elderly are also especially at risk.

Officials recommend that people living in the affected areas limit their exposure to contaminants by staying indoors and avoiding vigorous physical activities. For those who must be outdoors during the smoke advisory, a properly fitting n-95 respirator, which can be bought at most hardware stores, may help mitigate the risk of injury.

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Residents can view up-to-the-hour air quality monitoring via AQMD.gov and sign up for updates at airalerts.org