People in California Told to Avoid Leaving the House

Officials in southern California are advising some residents against leaving their homes as wildfire smoke worsens air quality in the region.
On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Diego broadcast an air quality alert from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The alert warned of increased fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke across parts of southern California, and it is expected to remain in place until 11 p.m. local time Tuesday.
“If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible,” the alert said. “Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air. Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.”
More From Newsweek Vault: Learn the Fastest Ways to Build an Emergency Fund Today
The alert also suggests that if people must go outdoors, they should keep the time brief and also wear a tightly fitted N-95 mask or P-100 respirator to reduce smoke exposure.
Areas in the alert included Interstate 5 Corridor, the Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, the Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, the cities of Tejon Pass, Gorman, Pyramid Lake, Acton, Warm Springs, Mill Creek, Mount Wilson, Mount Baldy, Wrightwood, and The Angeles Crest Highway, and the San Bernardino County Mountains, including the cities of Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Wrightwood.
NWS meteorologist Chandler Price said the smoke is originating from the Line Fire in San Bernardino County and the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Price told Newsweek that wildfire behavior has calmed over the last few days, and that weather patterns will likely blow any smoke to areas southeast of the fires.
More From Newsweek Vault: Compare the Best Banks for Emergency Funds
People also are urged to limit their use of gasoline-powered lawn or garden equipment, as emissions can worsen air quality.
“Exposure to particle pollution can cause serious health problems, aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections,” the alert said. “People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor’s advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure, strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate.”
More From Newsweek Vault: Learn More About the Different Types of Savings Accounts
According to the most recent air quality update on the South Coast AQMD website, most areas within the district are considered to have good air quality. Some areas have moderate air quality, in which the air quality index is valued between 51 and 100. Moderate air quality is considered acceptable, though might cause a risk for some people, such as those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.