Residents across large swathes of southern California are being advised to "stay indoors" as smoke and ash from a fast-moving mountain fire in Ventura County blanket the area.
Strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts, accelerating the spread of both the fire and airborne pollutants.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a wind-driven dust and ash advisory for much of the South Coast Air Basin on Wednesday, expected to remain in effect until at least 2:00 p.m. PT on Thursday.
Officials are advising residents to reduce exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, seeking alternate shelter if needed, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and using protective equipment (such as long sleeves, gloves, and safety glasses) if they must handle ash.
Residents are also reminded to wash any ash off their skin promptly after exposure.
Additional recommendations include avoiding the use of leaf blowers, which can stir up ash, and reducing speed on dirt roads to limit dust and ash in the air.
On Wednesday evening, Santa Barbara County also issued an Air Quality Alert in response to the rapidly spreading mountain fire.
"The Mountain Fire is producing significant smoke, and wind conditions are blowing the smoke plume offshore towards the Channel Islands," the alert said.
"Currently ground level air quality conditions onshore throughout Santa Barbara County are good, but these conditions can change quickly if the wind direction changes and pushes the smoke plume onshore."
Residents, particularly those with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children, are advised to limit outdoor activities and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke concentrations are high.
#mountainfire update; as of 10:30 pm the fire is currently at 14,187 acres, with at least 800 firefighters currently assigned to the incident. Firefighting operations continue through the night with both ground resources and night flying helicopters.
Hundreds of mutual aid… pic.twitter.com/vT4Z56ibj0
Staying hydrated is also recommended to support respiratory health, the alert added.
The fire, which has now burned over 14,100 acres northeast of Oxnard, roughly 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is being fought by over 800 firefighters, according to an update from the Ventura County Fire Department.
"Numerous structures have been impacted by this fast-moving fire. Due to safety concerns, damage estimates will begin tomorrow. An evacuation center has been established at Padre Sierra Parish at 5205 Upland Road in Camarillo," the department reported.
California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the severity of the situation in a statement, saying: "This is a dangerous fire that's spreading quickly and threatening lives. State resources have been mobilized to protect communities, and this federal support from the Biden-Harris administration will give state and local firefighters the resources they need to save lives and property as they continue battling this aggressive fire."
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