Line Fire Spurs Smoke Advisory For Parts Of RivCo

RIVERSIDE, CA — Air quality officials issued a wildfire smoke advisory Wednesday that will likely be in effect through Friday for parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties due to the ongoing Line fire.

While most areas will experience good or moderate air quality, winds are expected to cause hazy conditions during the night-time to mid-morning in Highland, San Bernardino and Yucaipa, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said Wednesday.

Big Bear will experience mostly good air quality with the potential for smoke to settle overnight. In Angelus Oaks, where evacuation orders are still in place and the fire was still smoldering, the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

For the full forecast, click here.

Conditions could change rapidly depending to weather and fire activity.

The Line fire has scorched 43,890 acres and was 79% contained. Just when the Line fire came close to containment, rising temperatures and dry conditions caused the blaze to flare up over the weekend.

"Today's warm and dry conditions will support continued fire activity and smoke production mostly on the south side of the Line fire," air quality officials wrote on Wednesday afternoon.

What to do if you're impacted by smoke, according to AQMD:

• Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans 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.
• If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.