Agoura Hills Under Smoke Advisory, But Air Quality 'Good': AQMD

AGOURA HILLS, CA —As of Tuesday evening, progress on the Palisades Fire is improving, with evacuation orders lifted and containment reported at 47 percent.

Still, Agoura Hills and its neighbors remain under a Smoke Advisory until Wednesday and possibly longer, depending on the progress of the fire. The South Coast Air Quality Management District put Malibu, much of the Conejo Valley and Santa Mountains, and northwest San Fernando Valley under the advisory Monday, warning that areas downwind of the Pacific Palisades fire may experience unhealthy air quality levels.

Still, as of Tuesday evening, the South Coast AQMD reported that Agoura Hills has 'good air quality," meaning they have an Air Quality Index below 50. Most of the city falls at a 38, a marked improvement from earlier in the day, when some parts of the city were above 50, signaling possible danger for sensitive groups.

The western part of the city, near Westlake Village, registered an AQI of 49 as of Tuesday morning, meaning that it is just on the outer limits of posing no risk. Areas closer to Calabasas registered at a 51, meaning sensitive groups are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure.

As of Tuesday night, Calabasas is at a 41, Malibu averages a 38, and most of the San Fernando Valley finds itself in the 40s. Earlier in the day, most of the Valley was placed in the "moderate" category.

To check levels near your home, click here, zoom in on the area of interest, and then click.
AQI is determined by regulatory monitors, low-cost sensors, and an air quality model, according to the South Coast AQMD. The AQMD says that it uses the Environmental Protection Agency’s NowCast method, which emphasizes recent levels when conditions are changing quickly.

The South Coast AQMD stresses that measurements are still approximate, and may not reflect current smoke conditions. If you smell smoke or see ash, remain indoors with windows and doors closed, or seek alternative housing. Limit vigorous physical activity, and clean air filters to make sure outdoor air isn’t circulated in the home. See here for a full list of smoke safety suggestions from the AQMD.

Tuesday night going into Wednesday morning, west and south winds near the Palisades Fire are expected to push smoke north and east into the mountains in the Topanga State Park, and the cities east and north of the mountains, according to the AQMD.

To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories, and forecasts by email, visit http://airalerts.org, or download the South Coast AQMD app at http://www.aqmd.gov/forecast.

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How’s the air and sky around you? Let us know at michael.wittner@patch.com.

See also:
Palisades Fire Latest: Arson Suspect Identified By LASD | Pacific Palisades, CA Patch
L.A. Extends Smoke Advisory As Palisades Fire Swells | Beverly Hills, CA Patch