Smoke and ash from ‘Lake Fire’ poses health risk
A significant amount of smoke from the “Lake Fire” is heading east and covering the Hi-Desert.
That’s making for dangerous conditions.
Anyone who walked outside Thursday noticed the red and orange smoke hanging over the mountains.
Down in the Coachella Valley, the smoke and ash didn’t seem to be too much of a problem.
But in the Hi-desert area where winds were strong, people said they could feel the effects of the fire on their lungs.
Ron Morgan lives in Morongo Valley and has been watching as smoke rolled in from the Lake Fire.
“But this morning I was really surprised to see how much it had taken off. It was just unbelievable,” Morgan said.
He said when winds picked up it was apocalyptic.
“Ashes started to fall and all of a sudden the wind came up from the south and started blowing everything the other way,” Morgan said.
The dark skies were a shock to some visitors who didn’t bring anything to prevent them from breathing smoke.
“No, we don’t have anything. I thought it was pretty good compared to L.A.’s air though,” Phillip Dunn, who’s visiting from Los Angeles, said.
Anyone outside felt the effects of the smoke on their lungs.
“I have had some recent asthma attacks, and I’m sure if it gets really bad I will be spending more time indoors,” Morgan said.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory.
Air quality may reach unhealthy levels at times depending on the direction of the wind.
They urge anyone who can see or smell smoke to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed.
Morgan said the high winds and hot temperatures are what worries him most about this fire.
“Wind is not a good thing for the fire, so I’m really worried about what’s going to happen with this one it might take a while to get it out,” Morgan said.
Here’s a few more tips if you live in an area affected by smoke.
Elderly people, children or anyone with respiratory or heart disease should remain indoors as they are most at risk from the smoke.
You can run your air conditioner if you have one, but do not use a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to avid bringing smoke inside.
