Smoke Advisory Issued In Manhattan Beach As Fires Ravage LA County

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — As the nearby Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires ravage Los Angeles County, health officials warned Manhattan Beach residents about unhealthy air quality caused by smoke.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the wildfires blazing through multiple areas are producing damaging smoke that can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches and illness.

People with respiratory or heart conditions, children and the elderly are at higher risk and could experience more severe effects such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and/or chest pain.

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases and water vapor and can pose health risks.

“Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it's important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family's health," said Muntu Davis, Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.”

As of Wednesday morning, multiple fires were decimating LA County from the coast to Pasadena. In total, more than 8,000 acres have burned, over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, two people have been killed and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated.

If you are in an area impacted by smoke, public health officials recommend:

• limiting exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed;
• avoiding vigorous physical activity;
• running your air conditioning or air purifier. If possible, don't use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air;
• avoiding burning wood in fireplaces and fire pits;
• using a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator if you must be outside.