Prado Fire prompts air quality advisory

A wildfire that sparked near the Prado Dam, north of Corona, Saturday, is sending smoke and a strong smell into the Coachella Valley.

The drifting smoke prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory Monday for the inland region.

As of Monday afternoon, the fire has charred over 1,000 acres and is 35% contained.

Officials said the smoke advisory is in effect for parts of Riverside County and San Bernardino County, particularly those closest to the Prado Dam. People with lung disease or heart ailments, seniors and small children
are at highest risk from exposure and are urged to remain indoors.

CalFire resources remain on scene and continue aggressive suppression efforts. Highway 91 and Highway 71 are both open. Heavy smoke remains throughout the area; potentially for several days.

Onshore winds will help dissipate the smoke, but individuals in “sensitive groups” should continue to take precautions.

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The fire began in a forested basin near the dam Saturday evening.

CalFire Capt. Mike Mohler says the fire is about a half-mile from a residential area on the border of Norco and Corona. A mandatory evacuation was lifted Sunday morning for about 300 homes in the area, but initially posed a threat to nearby neighborhoods.

The fire, visible from State Routes 71 and 91, sent a large plume of smoke that could be seen miles away.

Several viewers have called into our newsroom, saying they can see and smell the smoke as far away as Coachella. Cal Fire and the Palm Springs Fire Department believe the smoke is drifting through the pass.

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In an advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, or SCAQMD, the organization advises people to take precautions in smokey air:

“In any area impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors. Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. To avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.”