Toxic smoke from wildfires blankets Los Angeles skies, authorities issue urgent warning

Arab Weather - On January 8 and until this moment, smoke from wildfires covers vast areas of Los Angeles County, which led to the closure of schools and the issuance of warnings about air quality.
Smoke billowed from Altadena to San Pedro, where three wildfires burned more than 25,000 acres in two days.

Health impact of smoke and air pollution

The highest levels of PM2.5 air pollution were recorded in downtown Los Angeles, posing a significant risk to respiratory and heart health.
“We are thrilled to be working with you,” said Scott Epstein, director of air quality assessment.

“Fine particles can reach deep into the lungs, causing serious health effects, especially for children and the elderly.”

The suffering of the population and the deterioration of the situation

Residents are suffering from the toxic effects of smoke from burning buildings and cars. “It’s a very dangerous situation,” said Dino Tashjian, a mechanic in Altadena.

"I can't breathe easily...the air is so bad"

Official measures to address the crisis

Authorities have warned residents to stay indoors to limit their exposure to harmful smoke, and classes have been canceled at many schools. Los Angeles School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said:

“We have made the decision to close schools due to the deteriorating air quality.”

Effect of smoke on roads and visibility

Smoke reduced visibility on the roads, prompting officials to advise drivers to stay indoors. Los Angeles City Council President Marques Harris-Dawson said:

“Visibility is very low due to the smoke, even in areas far from the fires.”

The health effects of wildfire smoke

1. Respiratory problems: Inhaling smoke can cause difficulty breathing, throat irritation, and a persistent cough.
2. Aggravation of chronic diseases: Smoke has a greater effect on people with asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart disease.
3. Long-term damage: Long-term exposure to fine particles in smoke (PM2.5) can lead to serious illnesses, such as strokes or heart attacks.
4. Eye and skin irritation: Smoke contains ingredients that may cause itchy, red eyes and skin irritation.
5. Danger to sensitive groups: Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the health effects of smoke.
6. Circulatory problems: Pollutants in smoke may affect blood flow and increase the risk of clots.

Comparing January fires to previous fires

Despite the severity of the situation, air quality officials stressed that the pollution from the active fires is similar to the effects of previous wildfires in September, which contaminated areas as far away as Colorado.

Strong winds help to thin the smoke, but at the same time they raise levels of soot and ash, exacerbating pollution in some areas.

The strong winds also damaged power infrastructure and left tens of thousands without power. And with Santa Ana winds expected to continue for another week, the risk of new fires is increasing, said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

“We expect a long period of dry winds, which keeps the risks alive.”

With no rain expected and health and environmental risks on the rise, Southern Californians face daunting challenges that could get worse before they get better.

See also:

No water system in the world can handle the Los Angeles fires.

16 dead, billions in damage as Los Angeles fires continue