‘Lake Fire’ smoke moves into Coachella Valley
Smoke from the Lake Fire burning in the San Bernardino mountains hovered over the Coachella Valley Friday.
Summer vacationers at the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel felt the affects.
“My eyes are getting a little more irritated. I would feel bad for anyone who has to spend the entire day outside,” said Belen Vasquez.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for San Bernardino mountain areas and eastern Riverside County including the Coachella Valley. You’re encouraged to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities. Use air conditioners instead of swamp coolers to reduce the amount of smoke being drawn into the home.
Parts of Palm Springs were in the clear for most of the Friday. The smoke didn’t stop water park goers from sliding into Wet N Wild Palm Springs, but it did make employees more alert.
“From an in-park stand point, we ask them monitor their own symptoms. Make sure if they start to cough a lot, runny nose, itchy eyes that sort of thing they report to our first aid station,” said general manager David Andrews.
Andrews said the park will continue to take extra precautions until crews knock down the flames and the lingering smoke passes.
“We certainly hope they get it out quickly and everyone stays safe. It’s good for our business they get it out quickly. In the mean time we hope it’s the least impactful as possible,” said Andrews.
As people in the Hi-Desert get the brunt of the smoke and ash, the Yucca Valley Community Center will open as a cooling center Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for folks wanting to escape the heat and smoke-filled air.
