Air Quality Warning Due to Fires

The South Coast Air Quality Management District said air quality would be unhealthy through the weekend in nearly the entire county, even the coastal areas.

"It is difficult to tell where smoke, ash or soot from a fire will go, or how winds will affect the level of these particles in the air, so we ask everyone to remember that smoke and ash can be harmful to health, even for people who are healthy," said Dr. Muntu Davis, chief health officer for Los Angeles County.

"If you can see smoke, soot, or ash, or you can smell smoke, pay attention to your immediate environment and take precautions to safeguard your health.

These precautions are particularly important for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases."

The Los Angeles Zoo, which closed Sunday due to poor air quality and had hoped to reopen on Tuesday, said it would remain closed through Wednesday.

County officials also said three COVID-19 testing sites would be closed Wednesday -- at the Pomona Fairplex, the San Gabriel Valley Airport and Panorama City.

Members of the public were urged to limit their outdoor exposure as much as possible, including that of their pets.

"We are also advising day camps that are in session in smoke-impacted areas to suspend outside recreational activities, such as hiking or picnics until conditions improve," Davis said.