Smoke Advisory Issued

By City News Service, image shutterstock

A smoke advisory was issued Thursday by the regional air quality agency for areas downwind of a massive wildfire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest, including parts of the Mohave Desert.

Heavy smoke from the 7,500-acre Lake Fire was billowing northeast and east, toward northern portions of the Coachella Valley, and some areas could experience air quality that reaches unhealthy levels or worse, said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

People in the smoke’s path were advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and children or people with respiratory problems or heart disease should stay indoors, according to the AQMD.

Windows should be kept closed and swamp coolers and whole-house fans should not be used, to avoid bringing smoke indoors.