The agency said that fireworks emissions from Independence Day celebrations often lead to the worst air-quality days of the entire year.

The advisory, which covers parts of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. Friday.

Some areas were experiencing air quality at the Moderate AQI (Air Quality Index) level at 9 a.m. Friday, including much of the South Bay and Orange County.

At that same time, the air quality in many areas of Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire ranged from Unhealthy AQI to Hazardous.

The worst area — experiencing Hazardous air quality — on Friday morning was the area surrounding Glendora and Azusa and parts of West Covina heading toward the mountains. Just outside of that area, including Pomona, Montclair, Claremont, Duarte and Arcadia, the air quality was measured as Very Unhealthy.

Air quality Friday morning was also Very Unhealthy in the eastern San Fernando Valley, Burbank and Glendale areas.

Most of LA, the rest of the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire as far east as Redlands was experiencing air quality that was either Unhealthy, or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

The particles emitted by fireworks, including “backyard” fireworks, include metal air pollutants, the AQMD said, causing even more hazardous conditions.

And “backyard” fireworks can lead to even higher levels of fine particulate matter in the neighborhoods where they were launched, leading to even worse air quality that is being measured by AQMD’s regional equipment, the agency said.

The fireworks particles add to the other particles in the Southern California basin from vehicles and industrial uses. In addition, high ozone levels unrelated to July 4th celebrations will decrease air quality — leading to the Very Unhealthy AQI level in the afternoon and evening.

The AQMD warns that people’s cardiovascular and respiratory health suffers when breathing in fine particulate matter. Negative health effects can include heart attacks, worsened asthma, decreased lung function, coughing and difficulty breathing and even “premature death” in those suffering from heart or lung disease.

The air-quality-monitoring agency recommends remaining indoors with doors and windows closed, avoiding vigorous physical activity, and running air conditioners and air purifiers.

The post Air pollution advisory issued across Southern California after July 4th fireworks appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

CAMP PENDLETON, CA—Already smokey skies were getting even hazier Thursday in Southwest Riverside County as a vegetation fire burned at Camp Pendleton.

Details about the blaze were not immediately available but fire departments in the region reported no threat to structures.

On Thursday, base officials announced on social media that a “600-acre prescribed burn was underway” but said the exercise was scheduled Friday and Saturday.

Patch reached out to the base for clarification. This story will be updated when more information is available.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an Ozone Advisory effective June 21 across the region, including Southwest Riverside County. While drift smoke from nearby fires has plagued local air quality, the Ozone Advisory was instead issued ahead of extreme heat expected to bear down on the region.

“A multi-day extreme ozone (smog) event is expected due to the heat wave affecting the region,” according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely reach Unhealthy or higher levels in inland areas of the South Coast Air Basin and in the Coachella Valley at times Friday through Tuesday and possibly beyond.”

The SCAQMD advises the following during periods of poor air quality due to ozone pollution:

• Check air quality levels and limit outdoor activities as necessary. See health recommendations for each AQI level.
• Limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours.
• Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
• Try to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening.

To view current air quality in your neighborhood, download the South Coast AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.

The post Drift Smoke Over Southwest Riverside County Coming From Camp Pendleton appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.