LOS ANGELES — Smoke from multiple Northern California wildfires is making its way south, creating potentially hazardous air quality for the Los Angeles area.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an advisory through Thursday morning for large portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
"Wildfires in northern and central California are producing heavy smoke that is being transported into the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley," the agency said, noting that effects will be strongest in mountain areas, the Inland Empire and the Coachella Valley.
For weeks, the fires have caused hazardous air quality and miserable conditions for thousands of nearby residents. Now, winds are blowing the smoke southward.
Residents could expect hazy skies Wednesday, with the potential for air quality to reach unhealthy or hazardous levels in vast areas spanning from Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley to Santa Clarita, Riverside and San Bernardino.
Air quality is measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 500, with readings over 100 considered unhealthy. Residents can check AQI levels in their area at AirNow.gov or similar sites.
Breathing fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke can lead to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems, officials said.
Recent studies have found that wildfire smoke can contain bacteria, lead and other toxic substance, and may increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
To keep indoor air clean, officials recommend closing all windows and doors and running an air purifier. People with air conditioners can set them to the "recirculation" setting to avoid pulling in outside air.
Residents are also advised to avoid strenuous physical activity or unnecessary time outdoors.
"Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities," officials said.
The state's raging fires — including the 126,000-acre Caldor fire near Sacramento and the 735,000-acre, multi-county Dixie fire — have blanketed much of that region in thick, black smoke.
Air quality around South Lake Tahoe has plummeted in recent days, while areas near Reno recorded record-breaking levels of hazardous air.
Smoke from California's fires this year has made it as far as the East Coast.
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