A map created by Newsweek highlights the location and severity of air quality levels across California as the Pacific Palisades Fire continues to burn in Los Angeles County.
The fire, which erupted on Tuesday, has scorched more than 11,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 structures and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Smoke from the blaze has significantly worsened air quality statewide, with some areas reporting hazardous levels exceeding 500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Newsweek has reached out to California Governor Gavin Newsom's office for comment.
California Air Quality Levels
The AQI measures air quality on a scale from 0 to 500, with readings below 50 considered "Good" and above 300 classified as "Hazardous," signaling emergency conditions where health risks are elevated for everyone. Residents in affected areas have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors.
The Pacific Palisades Fire has triggered hazardous air quality in multiple counties across California. According to the U.S. AQI, Los Angeles County recorded levels of 178, while San Bernardino County reached 196. Fresno and Imperial counties registered levels of 127.
The poorest air quality was seen in neighborhoods in Pasadena and parts of Los Angeles, where AQI readings exceeded 500, with some locations reaching 1,200. These conditions are categorized as "Hazardous," meaning an emergency-level threat to public health.
What To Know
The Pacific Palisades Fire, fueled by gusts of up to 100 mph, has reached zero containment as of January 8. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that 37,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with another 20,000 under warnings. Nearby fires, including the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, have claimed two lives and caused additional evacuations.
Firefighting resources are stretched thin as crews battle multiple blazes under extreme conditions. Aircraft were grounded during critical moments by high winds, and more than 1,400 firefighters have been deployed with federal assistance. Newsom declared a state of emergency, allowing access to federal funding.
Why Is Poor Air Quality Bad For Your Health?
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Short-term exposure can cause irritation, breathing difficulties and exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure is linked to severe conditions like heart disease and reduced lung function, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
Why Is The Air Quality Bad In Los Angeles?
The hazardous air quality in Los Angeles is largely a result of smoke from the Pacific Palisades Fire, intensified by strong Santa Ana winds. The winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph, have carried fine particulate matter and other pollutants across wide areas.
Prolonged drought and dry vegetation have made the region especially vulnerable to wildfires, further exacerbating the air quality crisis.
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way."
President Joe Biden, on X: "I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles. My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire. Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X: "California has deployed 1400+ firefighting personnel & hundreds of prepositioned assets to combat these unprecedented fires in LA. Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives."
What Happens Next
Authorities are warning residents that continued high winds around the city with the wildfires are expected to continue through the week, spreading the fire.
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