Smoke advisory continues for the Coachella Valley

The South Coast Air Quality Management Districtissued a smoke advisory again today for the Coachella Valley and Banning Passdue to ash and smoke from the 16,000-acre Silver Fire burning south of Banning.

The air quality could reach an unhealthy level, according to air qualityofficials, and residents should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, keep windowsand doors closed and run an air conditioner. People with respiratory or heartdisease, the elderly and children should remain indoors, according to the AQMD.

Smoke from the wildfire, which started Wednesday afternoon, has driftedinto the Coachella Valley, although today is clearer than the previous twodays. Another blaze, the Falls Fire, is burning five miles west of LakeElsinore and is expected to be contained today.

The advisory also covers parts of Lake Elsinore, Hemet and the Perris,San Jacinto and Temecula valleys.

For more information, go to www.aqmd.gov.