After elevated fine particle pollution levels in Riverside County area were detected from wildfire smoke, officials have urged residents to stop grilling in their backyards to help improve air quality.
The Eagle Fire began on Sunday afternoon has spread to more than 1,600 acres and is only 50 percent contained on Monday morning.
Massive Smoke from the Fire
The fire has caused a massive uptick of smoke in the air around southern California.
The South Coast Air Quality Management (AQMD) issued an air quality alert on Sunday night after unhealthy levels of particles in the atmosphere. The alert is scheduled to remain in place until 2 p.m. local time on Monday.
Impacted Areas
The areas that have been most impacted by the wildfire include San Bernardino, Riverside and east of Los Angeles.
The South Coast AQMD has issued suggestions on how people could avoid making the air quality even worse around their homes.
Recommendations to Improve Air Quality
The alert shared some suggestions to improve air quality around homes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) shared on their webpage to “Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.”
If You Must Be Outdoors
The NWS also suggested that “If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P-100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.”
Being outdoors during poor air quality can severely damage the lungs and the esophagus. It can also cause light headedness and dizziness.
Stay Indoors
The South Coast AQMD has also requested that residents stay indoors if they’re able to.
Keep doors and windows closed or seek alternative shelter if the smoke smell becomes too strong. “Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier,” the alert said. “If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air.”
Health Problems from Inhaling Smoke
There are plenty of health problems that can occur due to inhaling toxic fumes or smoke from fires.
Some health problems that can happen or worsen from particle pollution exposure are lung disease, asthma attacks, and acute bronchitis. There is also an increased risk of respiratory infections during worsened air quality.
When Is Unhealthy Air Quality Acheived?
According to the coalition of U.S. government and tribal agencies in charge of monitoring air quality, unhealthy levels are achieved when the air quality index (AQI) drops between 151 and 200.
These levels are often surpassed during times of wildfire.
At-Risk Individuals
On top of the poor air quality affecting residents on the area, at-risk individuals like the elderly, babies, and anyone suffering from lung disease needs to be protected even more.
Inhaling wildfire smoke can immediately exacerbate things like asthma and lung disease. As well, those who rely on assisted oxygen to breath are urged to stay inside at all times.
Heat Advisory
On top of the worsening wildfire smoke, San Bernardino is also under an extreme heat advisory according to the NWS.
High temperatures are forecasted to hit between 100 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit and will hopefully expire on Wednesday night this week.
Eagle Fire
As fire fighters work on the Eagle Fire in Riverside, it will become more contained as the hours go on.
Current updates on the fire can be checked here. As well, officials note that following recommendations to limit time outside and avoid cooking with high heat or smoke in the home is the best way to protect air quality at this time.
Stay Cool
Recommendations to stay cool include “Drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors,” the advisory said.
In times of turmoil and distress, it can be beneficial to see how the community can be better served.
