Air quality officials warn of unhealthy levels as route fire continues to burn – Pasadena Star News

Air quality conditions in parts of Los Angeles County were marked as “unhealthy” by officials as the Route fire in Castaic continued to burn on Thursday, Sept. 1, spreading smoke into surrounding communities.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an advisory that extends through Friday evening for the San Fernando Valley and parts of San Gabriel Valley due to the smoke plumes drifting from the fire.

As of Thursday afternoon, the burn area was reported at 5,228 acres with 12% containment.

The smoke was affecting areas immediately surrounding the fire during the daytime, and nighttime smoldering was likely to drain into the Santa Clarita Valley. Because of the steep terrain where the fire was burning, smoke plumes were mostly rising before moving toward the north and east.

Areas further downwind are likely to see lighter smoke levels through Friday evening.

Other communities with unhealthy air quality included Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Montrose and Altadena, and the mountains above them.

Officials recommend residents limit exposure to the smoke by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or by seeking shelter away from areas affected by the fire, and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

AQMD said Thursday afternoon that the 4,400-acre Border 32 fire in San Diego County near the Mexican border was not affecting air quality within the South Coast Air Basin.