Drift Smoke Over Southwest Riverside County Coming From Camp Pendleton

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

"There is a smolder deep in our impact area. It is currently being monitored, and there is no impact to the infrastructure or personnel," base spokesperson Capt. James C. Sartain said Thursday afternoon.

A 600-acre prescribed burn is scheduled Friday and Saturday at the base. The burn is being conducted "to test new equipment in preparation for fire season," Sartain said.

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.