Pasadena Public Health Department Southland Fires

Although air quality and weather conditions have greatly improved across the Southland, air quality may remain at the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range for those living in areas closer to the recent November wildfires. Sensitive or susceptible persons -- such as those with heart or lung disease -- should minimize outdoor activity, especially during any windier conditions.

For regularly updated air quality information or for tips on avoiding health impacts when cleaning and removing fire ash, dust and debris, visit the Air Quality Management District website at www.aqmd.gov.

At this time, the Pasadena Public Health Department will stop posting updated air quality alerts, until any new or changing health conditions occur.

November 19, 2008

Pasadena Public Health Alert:

Air Quality Much Improved But Still May Reach
Unhealthy Levels In Areas of Active Wildfires

According to AQMD, although air quality and weather conditions have improved significantly across the Southland, air quality may reach Unhealthy Levels in areas directly impacted by smoke from the Sayre and the Freeway/Triangle Complex fires. This may include portions of the San Gabriel Mountains that are near the Sayre Fire.

In addition, areas further away from the active burning may still experience periods of air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, or higher, when impacted by smoke.

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke. This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.

In areas with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality, sensitive or susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease, should minimize outdoor activity.

In areas with Unhealthy air quality and those directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Non-school related sports organizations, such as Little Leagues, for children and adults are advised to limit or cancel outdoor practices in areas where there is visible smoke, soot, or ash, or where there is an odor of smoke.

For regularly updated air quality information, see the air quality map at www.aqmd.gov. For tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/factsheets.htm.

These recommendations will apply until an updated alert is sent or cancellation notice posted.

November 17, 2008

Pasadena Public Health Alert:

Air Quality Forecast to Be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Across Much of Southland

According to the Air Quality Management District, an afternoon sea breeze today could spread wildfire smoke across wide areas of the Southland including portions of the Inland Empire, causing air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or higher.

In addition, areas directly impacted by smoke from the ongoing Sayre and Freeeway/Triangle Complex fires will experience Unhealthy air quality.

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke. This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.

A weakening offshore breeze and the return of an afternoon sea breeze are forecast for today. The sea breeze may transport smoke from the coastal area as far as the Inland Empire.

Depending on the continuing fire situation, areas of direct smoke impacts and Unhealthy air quality will likely include:

► the Corona/Norco Area;

► the Chino Hills area;

► the Pomona/Walnut Valley;

► Orange County;

► the San Fernando Valley;

► portions of the San Gabriel Mountains near the Sayre Fire;

► portions of the Santa Clarita Valley

► portions of Los Angeles County, including downtown, coastal areas, the Long Beach area and the west and south San Gabriel Valley.

In areas with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality, sensitive or susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease, should minimize outdoor activity.

In areas with Unhealthy air quality, such as the Pasadena area, and those directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

For live air quality information, see the air quality map at www.aqmd.gov. For more tips on avoiding health impacts from the smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/factsheets.htm.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

For more information contact:

Joy Guihama (626) 744-6050

jguihama@cityofpasadena.net

Statice Wilmore (626) 744-6051

swilmore@cityofpasadena.net

For over 110 years, the City of Pasadena Public Health Department has been committed to protecting and promoting the health of the Pasadena community. For more information and/or updates on when it is safe to resume activities, please visit the City’s website at www.cityofpasadena.net or call the Public Health information line (626) 744-6012. For more information about air quality related to the wildfires, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District's website at www.aqmd.gov or call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664).