Another bad wind is expected at the Boyle Heights cold storage facility that has been burning since Wednesday.
Residents miles away were struck by the smoke.
Here’s what you need to know and stay safe.
The latest advice for the Boyle Heights fire
The Coastal Air Quality Control District has extended a Particle Pollution Advisory until 12:30 pm Sunday.
“On Sunday morning, a change in the wind direction may drive smoke towards Southeast LA County. If the fire is still producing large amounts of smoke on Sunday afternoon, it will continue to affect Central and East Los Angeles,” said AQMD.
What should you do?
- Officials warned people with lung problems or smoke sensitivities to avoid outdoor activities, but said crews had reduced hazardous materials in the area. However, they are still concerned about potential biohazards from contaminated food, including bread, poultry, pork and beef. The 500,000-square-foot warehouse stores 85 million pounds of frozen food.
- LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis said that the biggest public health concern is smoke and fine particles that can irritate the ears, nose, throat and lungs, and worsen heart and lung conditions. Sensitive individuals are encouraged to wear proper N95 and P100 masks, and sign up for emergency alerts at alertla.org.
- Will Barrett, assistant vice president of national clean air policy with the American Lung Assn., told The Times that it can be difficult to pinpoint what’s on the street while workers are still working to contain emerging health risks, but the most important thing is to avoid exposure. “Similar to recent industrial and wildfire incidents, the composition of smoke can include toxic chemicals, fine particles and other serious lung health hazards depending on the circumstances of the fire and what is burned,” he said.
Tips for dealing with smoke
The Los Angeles County Health Department has issued some basic tips for dealing with wildfire smoke:
- If you smell smoke or see smoke or ash on the floor, avoid vigorous exercise and stay indoors with doors and windows closed.
- Start the air purifier if there is one.
- Avoid using a whole-house air conditioner or humidifier, as it can bring dirty air into the house.
- If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to reduce exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
- Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for a long time in areas with heavy smoke or where there is ash.
- If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from the harsh air.
- Avoid using stoves, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty areas with a damp cloth and do not smoke.
- If you experience symptoms such as a severe cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
What does the expert say
Michael Kleinman, a toxicologist and professor at UC Irvine’s Wen School of Population and Public Health, said the location of smoke depends largely on how fast and in which direction the wind is blowing. But “if you start to get angry, or your eyes itch or itch, or your nose starts to run or get irritated, that’s even worse.”
The potential biohazard posed by millions of pounds of spoiled food is worrisome, Kleinman said.
“It’s definitely going to smell and be dangerous, and germs and things are going to grow on it,” she said. “Obviously not being in touch with it is a problem, but if things start to burn, add this biological thing to the pipes, and you’re going into really uncharted territory.”
Resources
- The city opened a smoke shelter at the Pecan Recreation Center at 145 S. Pecan St., while the county opened one at City Terrace Park at 1126 N. Hazard Ave.
- The state will send technical experts and make 5.5 million respirators for distribution, as well as commercial-grade air purifiers, bottled water and advanced air quality monitors.
Laurence Darmiento and Shelby Grad contributed to this report.
