Smoke, strong winds and debris from the Mountain Fire are causing dangerous air quality conditions – even outside of Ventura County.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself – and those who might be more vulnerable.
Red flag warnings, wind advisories and air quality alerts have been in effect for most of the day.
Even those far from the fires can tell.
“It’s been causing me to sneeze and get allergies I believe, I guess from the dust,” said Justin Lee of Pacoima.
Intensive care specialist Dr. Thomas Yadegar with Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center said he doesn’t need to step outside to see the effects. It’s been busy at his practice.
“Over the past 24 hours, a lot of calls with patients that are having chest tightness, shortness of breath,” he said.
He added even healthy individuals should avoid exercising outdoors. Accuweather air quality monitors show high levels of fine particulate matter, small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, and nitrogen dioxide around Ventura County and in areas throughout metro Los Angeles.