Thick black smoke filled the air as emergency crews worked to control a fire at a cold storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The fire has been burning since Wednesday, impacting air quality in the surrounding areas.
Updates on Air Quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has extended a Particle Pollution Advisory. This advisory is set to remain until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. On Sunday morning, changes in wind direction might push smoke towards Southeast Los Angeles County. If the fire continues to emit significant smoke on Sunday afternoon, it could affect Central and East Los Angeles.
Public Health Recommendations
Authorities have advised individuals with lung issues or sensitivity to smoke to avoid outdoor activities. Although crews have mitigated hazardous materials at the fire site, concerns about spoiled food, such as bread, poultry, pork, and beef, remain. The large warehouse houses 85 million pounds of frozen goods.
Dr. Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer, highlighted the risks posed by smoke. He noted that fine particles can irritate the respiratory system and worsen heart and lung conditions. Those sensitive to smoke should consider wearing N95 or P100 masks and register for notifications at alertla.org.
Will Barrett from the American Lung Association emphasized avoiding smoke exposure. He mentioned the complexity of smoke composition, which may contain toxic chemicals and fine particles posing serious health risks.
Safety Tips for Smoke Exposure
- If you detect smoke or ash, reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors shut.
- Use an air purifier if possible, and avoid using whole-house fans or swamp coolers.
- In the presence of heavy smoke or ash, wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside for extended periods.
- If temperatures make it difficult to remain indoors, seek refuge in public spaces like libraries or shopping centers.
- Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean surfaces with a damp cloth and avoid smoking.
- Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or unusual fatigue.
Expert Insight
Michael Kleinman, a toxicologist at UC Irvine, noted that smoke impact varies with wind speed and direction. He advised monitoring symptoms such as eye irritation or nasal discomfort and avoiding exposure to potentially hazardous soot when possible.
Kleinman expressed concern about biohazards from rotting food in the warehouse. If these materials burn, they can add new risks, complicating the situation further.
Available Resources
The city has opened a smoke respite shelter at Pecan Recreation Center, 145 S. Pecan St., while another is at City Terrace Park, 1126 N. Hazard Ave. The state plans to distribute 5.5 million respirator masks, offer air purifiers, bottled water, and enhance air-quality monitoring systems.
Hayley Smith, an environment reporter for the Los Angeles Times, contributed to this article. She specializes in climate policy and technology.