Map shows hazardous air quality due to California fires
LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) – As three major wildfires burn out of control in Southern California, smoke clouded the region and beyond. Millions woke up to hazy skies and poor air quality Wednesday morning as crews continued to fight the Palisades Fire in western Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst/Sylmar Fire near Santa Clarita.
Air quality sensors monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency showed hazardous conditions — the most severe of the six air quality levels — in downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park and East L.A. on Wednesday morning.
Air quality was considered "very unhealthy" in Inglewood, Baldwin Hills and into Culver City.
Coastal areas and beach communities usually see reprieve from poor air quality thanks to fresh ocean air, but that was not the case Wednesday as fires burned so close to the water.
As wind and fire conditions change rapidly, zoom in and out on the interactive map below to see where air quality is worst around Southern California. You can also open the map in a new window here.
The smoke conditions for the entire South Coast Air Quality Management District jurisdiction, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, can also be seen here.
These sensors measure levels of PM2.5 to determine where the air is unhealthy to breathe. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter composed of particles 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. The particles can travel deep into our lungs, causing tissue damage and lung inflammation.
Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, hospital admissions, bronchitis, asthma attacks, and other respiratory and cardiac problems, the California Air Resources Board explains.
The best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to minimize your exposure and wear an N95 respirator if you have to go outside. Air purifiers can help keep the air inside your home or apartment safe to breathe.