L.A. Extends Smoke Advisory As Palisades Fire Swells

LOS ANGELES, CA — Angelenos woke up to a blood orange sun and darkened skies in some parts of the county on Sunday morning as smoke from a brush fire in Pacific Palisades shrouded the region. The fire prompted air quality officials to extend a smoke advisory in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.

The advisory was extended through at least Monday due to large amounts of smoke billowing near homes in the area. Areas closest to the blaze, dubbed the "Palisades Fire," would continue to be impacted the most, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

"Overall, meteorological conditions will bring smoke and ash into portions of Los Angeles County with localized impacts near the Palisades Fire," officials said. "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher AQI levels due to PM2.5 concentrations are possible in areas of direct smoke impacts."

Winds were also predicted to push smoke northeast into the mountains in the Topanga State Park on Sunday evening. Overnight, west and southwest winds were forecast to push smoke east and northeast into the mountains and cities east of the Topanga State Park.

"The PM2.5 concentrations in West Hollywood and Beverley Hills may increase on Sunday night and Monday afternoon," officials said. "Areas east and northeast of the Palisades Fires, as well as areas in direct proximity to the fires, will likely see the highest particulate matter levels overnight as smoke is likely to remain closer to the ground."

READ MORE: Palisades Brush Fire Scorches 1,300+ Acres, Arson Suspect Sought

Air quality experts advised those who smell smoke or see ash to limit their exposure by staying inside with windows and doors closed. Vigorous physical activity was also discouraged.

Smoke impacts for the county will largely depend on fire suppression efforts, officials said. Weather conditions with low temperatures, high humidity, and light winds throughout Sunday could lend a hand to firefighters.

At least 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate from Topanga Canyon as firefighters battled the blaze, which had swelled to 1,325 acres by the afternoon.

There was zero containment of the Palisades Fire as of 12:51 p.m. Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

A new evacuation warning was issued at 2 p.m. Sunday for all homes north of Chastain Parkway in the 1500 block to Calle Del Cielo. The warning area includes Calle De Sarah, Calle Bellevista and all homes west of Calle Del Cielo and Ave Ashley up to the hills.

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY UPDATE (Sunday, May 16):
-Smoke Advisory for #PalisadesFire has been extended to Monday, May 17th
-Windblown Dust Advisory issued for #Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass: https://t.co/Y158OoPtBX pic.twitter.com/kQ2Z2zHbKn
— South Coast AQMD (@SouthCoastAQMD) May 16, 2021

The City News Service contributed to this report.