Malibu Under Smoke Advisory, But Air Quality Good: AQMD

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

Still, Malibu and its neighbors remain under a Smoke Advisory until Wednesday afternoon. 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 acceptable air quality in most of Malibu. Along the coast all the way to the Ventura County border, Malibu’s Air Quality Index averages around 39, with 50 being the upper limit of the “good” category. Areas falling within this category have satisfactory air quality, with little or no risk of air pollution, according to the AQMD.

Topanga Beach has a recorded AQI of 40, the area near Big Rock and Corral Canyon is 38, Point Dume is 37, and the area around Leo Carrillo State Beach is 36. The conditions in the mountains improved over the course of Tuesday: Calabasas, about half of Agoura Hills, and most of the San Fernando Valley moved from the 'moderate' to 'good' categories, registering in the upper 30s to mid 40s. Earlier in the day, the areas were mostly in the upper 40s to 50s.

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.

However, the South Coast AQMD stresses that measurements 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 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