Moderate Air Quality San Juan Capistrano: Coastal Fire Smoke Advisory

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — The Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for the affected areas nearby Laguna Niguel's Coastal Fire through Thursday.

Much of South Orange County woke to an eerie orange glow on day two of the blaze. The wildfire destroyed over 20 homes that overlooked Laguna Beach and ate through nearly 200 acres of brush. A smoke plume blew ash and particulates over southern California overnight, affecting parts of Riverside, North San Diego and much of South Orange County. Residential areas nearest to the fire suffered the most immediate impacts from the smoldering landscape.

Still, officials say that "air quality is not expected to degrade beyond moderate, except in areas close to the fire."

Along with Laguna Niguel, air quality in South Orange County's communities of Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Tustin, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente would be affected by lower air quality into Friday morning.

Winds from the west pushed smoke over Santiago Peak directly east Wednesday evening, affecting air quality in the Southwest Riverside County communities of De Luz, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, La Cresta, Murrieta and Temecula where residents reported smelling smoke until well after nightfall.

"Once over the mountain peaks, smoke will mostly stay aloft during the overnight hours, causing little impacts further downwind," a spokesperson for the district said.

See: Coastal Fire Photos: Devastating Loss Of Orange County Homes

With the active blaze slowing to hotspots, officials expected lighter smoke to blow through the area into Thursday afternoon.

By Thursday, lighter west winds caused some smoke to linger in the area.

Read: Coastal Fire: 20+ Homes Burned, Blackouts For 100+ In Laguna Niguel

"Again, downwind impacts are expected to be small," they reported.

Overall, the air quality is not expected to degrade beyond Moderate, except in areas close to the fire where "unhealthy conditions" may be possible throughout the day.

Additional portions of South Orange County may also be affected by smoke from the blaze.

Areas directly impacted with poor air quality included parts of the Saddleback Valley (Area 19), Central Coastal Orange County (Area 20) and Capistrano Valley (Area 21).

If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed. Also, seek alternate shelter and avoid vigorous physical activity, the district advised.