Find out how Post Fire is affecting Los Angeles' air quality – NBC Los Angeles

An air quality alert is in effect Monday in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to smoke from a wildfire that grew to more than 14,000 acres over the weekend -end.

The fire started Saturday afternoon at Ralph's Ranch and Gorman School roads in the northern Los Angeles County community of Gorman near the 5 Freeway. Fanned by high winds, the fire Fire grew to 14,625 acres Monday and was only 8% contained.

“We're monitoring the aftermath of the fire and the smoke it's releasing into the air is causing poor air quality,” NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon said. “This smoke is also spreading to lower altitudes.”

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the Highway 5 corridor in the area through Monday afternoon.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory for the Santa Clarita and Castaic areas, with northwest winds expected to push smoke from the fire southeast toward Santa Clarita, the San Fernando Valley and parts of the Angeles National Forest.

“Northwest winds will again push post-fire smoke southeast toward the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita and Angeles National Forest. The AQI could reach an unhealthy level or higher,” the agency said in a Monday update.

The agency advised area residents to limit their exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking immediate shelter, avoiding vigorous physical activity, and running their air conditioners or purifiers. 'air.

“It is best to avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air,” the agency said. “Residents should also avoid burning wood in their fireplace or fireplace. And, if they absolutely must be outdoors, a well-fitted N95 mask or P100 respirator may offer some protection.”

Health Tips on Air Quality

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has offered the following tips to limit the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

• Limit your exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternative shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
• Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or fireplace and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, stoves and grills.
• If you must be outdoors, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may offer some protection.