Wildfire smoke and ash continues to affect the Coachella Valley

Wildfire smoke and ash from the Line Fire has been apparent to residents across the Coachella Valley. The South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to extend a Wildfire Smoke Advisory due to fires burning in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.

The Palm Springs Unified School District says it is monitoring the air quality in Palm Springs, which is currently at a moderate level. Although a moderate level means schools can continue with outdoor activities, the district decided today to move all outdoor activities indoors and canceled all outdoor sports practices.

Desert Sands Unified School District says it uses similar guidelines. It monitors the Air Quality Index (AQI), and if it falls above 200, it recommends moving all activities indoors or rescheduling them to another day.

Air quality in the Coachella Valley has remained Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) and Unhealthy (151-200) for most of the day.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District says you can download their app to see the air quality from your location.

Dr. Scott Epstein, with the Air Quality Management District, emphasizes that "everybody is susceptible to health impacts of poor air quality or wildfire smoke. But sensitive groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women, people with preexisting heart or lung issues, and people that spend a lot of their time outside are particularly susceptible."

The AQMD also offers several resources on its website for what to do during and after a wildfire, including safe protection and clean-up tips.