Red Flag, Unhealthful Air Quality Warnings Issued As Post Fire Rages

LOS ANGELES, CA — Haze from wildfire smoke blotted the setting sun across the Southland Sunday, and Southern California can expect more of the same this week as firefighters attempt to get the upper hand on the massive Post Fire in the Gorman area.

The South Coast AQMD Sunday extended the Smoke Advisory prompted by the Post Fire as smoke drifts across the county impact communities as far south as San Diego County. At the same time, the National Weather service issued a Red Flag warning for the region as heavy winds increase the risk of wildfires.

By Monday morning, the Post Fire had burned 15,610 acres and was only 8 percent contained. Heavy winds are expected in the region Monday afternoon, bedeviling firefighting efforts and sending wildfire smoke billowing across the region.

Northwesterly winds are expected to continue pushing smoke from the Post Fire southeast toward the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, and parts of the Angeles National Forest through Monday afternoon.

The blaze prompted the evacuation of about 1,200 people and shut down Pyramid Lake.

Air Quality Index levels were expected to reach unhealthy or higher in areas impacted by smoke.

Residents were encouraged to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or by seeking immediate shelter, avoid vigorous physical activity and run air conditioning and/or air purifiers.

In addition, it's best to avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air. Residents should also avoid burning wood in fireplaces or fire pits. And, if one absolutely must be outside, a properly fit N95 mask or P100 respirator may provide some protection.

The Red Flag warning will remain in place for Santa Clarita AND san Gabriel valleys and surrounding areas through Tuesday.

"Dangerous fire-weather conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday and expand in areal coverage. Strong northwest to north winds, shifting to the northeast between Midnight and 6 a..m. Tuesday, will combine with low to very low daytime relative humidity, and only poor to moderate overnight relative humidity recovery. These conditions will be favorable for the rapid growth and spread of wildfires, including the ongoing Post Fire complex," the National Weather Service warned.

"The Red Flag Warning for gusty northwest to north winds and low relative humidity for the Interstate-5 corridor in northwest Los Angeles County and the Ventura County mountains is now in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday, and includes an expected wind shift to
the northeasterly direction between midnight and 6 a.m. Tuesday...The Red Flag Warning has been extended in areal coverage to include the western San Gabriel Mountains from Midnight tonight to 6 P.M. Tuesday, where gusty northeast winds and relative humidity falling to the single digit readings is expected."

City News Service contributed to this report.