Lake Fire Prompts Extension of Smoke Advisory for Coachella Valley

By City News Service, image via shutterstock

A smoke advisory continued for parts of the Coachella Valley Monday as smoke from the 17,300-acre Lake Fire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest persisted, causing air quality to reach unhealthy levels.

Winds from the west were expected to continue pushing smoke from the massive blaze east into the Coachella Valley, South Coast Air Quality Management District spokesman Sam Atwood said.

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.

The fire was 21 percent contained as of this morning.