**Weekend Air Quality Forecast for Ongoing Fires: What to Expect**
A thick haze of wildfire smoke continues to blanket many Southern California cities as fires rage through the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended its smoke advisory into Saturday, marking the fifth consecutive day of unhealthy pollution levels, largely attributed to the Eaton fire in Altadena. Strong northeasterly winds, with gusts up to 20 mph, have carried hazardous fine particulate pollution for several miles, enveloping downtown Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach, and even reaching Santa Catalina Island.
**Smoke Forecast**
– 0–3 micrograms per cubic meter
– 3–25
– 25–63
Scott Epstein, the air quality assessment manager for the local air district, noted that Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties have been spared from the worst effects so far. However, he anticipates that they may also experience some smoke in the coming days, potentially posing a risk to sensitive groups. The unpredictability of the situation, including actual emissions from the fires and containment efforts, makes it challenging to forecast the exact impact.
**Mass Exodus and Air Quality Concerns**
As the air quality deteriorates, many residents have chosen to leave their homes, seeking refuge in areas with cleaner air. The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks established an “air quality relief center” in Chinatown to provide a safe space for those affected by the poor air quality. Nayana Estanislau, a West Hollywood resident, decided to relocate to San Diego with her dog as a precautionary measure after witnessing nearby brush fires. Mike Pourahmadi, an Echo Park resident with asthma, also opted to stay with a friend in Palm Springs to protect his health.
Paul McCarthy, a Culver City resident, took extra precautions by using air purifiers and wearing a KN-95 mask to mitigate the effects of the smoke. Despite his efforts, he still felt discomfort in his chest, prompting him to leave for Palm Springs with his son, Finn. The unprecedented scale of the fires and resulting air quality issues have left many residents feeling unsettled and concerned about their health.
**Impact on Schools and Communities**
The Los Angeles Unified School District remained closed on Friday due to the poor air quality, with Superintendent Alberto Carvalho highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing wildfires. The air district’s governing board convened to address the widespread destruction and persistent danger posed by heavy smoke. Supervisor Holly Mitchell emphasized the need for immediate support for affected communities, acknowledging the profound impact on air quality and the uncertainty of the situation.
As residents navigate the evolving air quality conditions and the long-term implications of the wildfires, the importance of community resilience and support becomes increasingly evident. The collective response to this crisis underscores the resilience and unity of Southern California residents in the face of unprecedented challenges.