Los Angeles Air Quality Alert as Fire Sparks Dangerous Pollution Levels
Summary
A large fire has been burning for over six days at a warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, causing hazardous air pollution in nearby communities. Officials have declared a state of emergency and warned residents about dangerous smoke and fine particles that can harm health.Key Facts
- The fire started on June 17 at a nearly 500,000-square-foot cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights.
- The warehouse fire continues to smolder and affect air quality in the area.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County on June 21 to address the fire and its effects.
- The fire may have begun during rooftop solar panel testing by the company Altus Power, though this has not been confirmed.
- Air pollution near the fire reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 621, which is more than twice the “hazardous” level of 300.
- Communities most affected include Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, and downwind neighborhoods.
- Fine particle pollution from the fire poses serious health risks, especially for people with asthma, heart conditions, young children, older adults, and pregnant people.
- Symptoms from smoke exposure include breathing problems, asthma attacks, heart risks, and irritation of eyes and throat.
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