Southern California smoke advisory May 21

South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory on May 21 for parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties as smoke spread from the Bain, Sandy and Santa Rosa Island fires. Officials said air near the fires could reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups, and in some places worsen further depending on wind and smoke movement. Local television outlets reported residents were being urged to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. In Simi Valley, the Sandy Fire had burned more than 2,100 acres and destroyed at least one home by Wednesday, according to ABC7 and CBS Los Angeles. ### Which fires were driving the advisory? The South Coast district said the advisory was tied to smoke from the Bain Fire in Riverside County, the Sandy Fire in Ventura County near Simi Valley, and the Santa Rosa Island Fire off the Southern California coast. CBS Los Angeles reported the agency’s advisory also referenced the Verona Fire in Riverside County. (cbsnews.com) The district’s wildfire advisory page said the Sandy Fire had burned 1,698 acres and was 15% contained as of 2 p.m. on May 20, while the Bain Fire had burned 1,456 acres and was 25% contained. The same advisory listed the Santa Rosa Island Fire at 16,942 acres and 26% containment. Those figures were earlier than local TV updates on Wednesday, which showed the Sandy Fire had grown further. (cbsnews.com) ### Where was the smoke expected to hit hardest? South Coast AQMD said areas closest to the fires faced the greatest risk of direct smoke impacts. KTLA reported the agency expected the advisory to remain in effect until at least 4:30 p.m. Wednesday for areas affected by the Sandy Fire, Bain Fire and Santa Rosa fire. (xappp.aqmd.gov) The Orange County Register reported smoke from the Sandy Fire and the Santa Rosa Island Fire could affect air quality in Los Angeles, Orange and parts of Riverside counties. A local advisory carried by the Culver City Observer said smoke from the Sandy Fire was expected to affect parts of Los Angeles County adjacent to the blaze. (ktla.com) ### What were residents told to do? KTLA reported officials told people in smoke-affected areas to remain indoors with windows and doors closed if possible, seek alternate shelter if needed, avoid vigorous physical activity, and use air conditioning or an air purifier. NBC Los Angeles similarly reported residents were urged to limit exposure because of smoke from three ongoing brush fires. (ocregister.com) Newsweek reported that “millions” in California and North Carolina were urged to remain indoors because of air-quality risks. In Southern California, the official guidance cited by local outlets was more specific to communities affected by wildfire smoke and to people sensitive to poor air quality. ### What is happening at the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley? (ktla.com) ABC7 reported on May 21 that the Sandy Fire had scorched more than 2,100 acres, destroyed at least one home and was 22% contained. The station said more than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders and that the cause remained under investigation. (ktla.com) CBS Los Angeles also reported the fire had grown to more than 2,100 acres with evacuation orders still in place. Earlier coverage from KTLA and ABC7 said the fire began near Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley and spread quickly in gusty conditions. ### Where can people check the latest conditions? (abc7.com) South Coast AQMD said current smoke conditions, forecasts and location-specific updates are posted on its wildfire smoke advisory page. ABC7’s live updates page for the Sandy Fire was also continuing to post changes on acreage, containment and evacuation zones on May 21. (xappp.aqmd.gov) (cbsnews.com)