A brush fire, named the Mountain Fire is burning in the Riverside County Mountains near Idyllwild and Mountain Center. As of early this afternoon, it is estimated to be over 8000 acres with 10 percent containment and significant growth potential. Gusty westerly flow is expected again this afternoon in the mountains around the fire. The smoke plume aloft is currently moving to the north and east. In addition, ash from the fire is falling in portions of the Coachella Valley. Smoke and ash may affect areas of the San Jacinto Mountains surrounding the fire and the Coachella Valley. Some mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County may also experience transported smoke at times. Areas directly impacted by smoke and ash may experience air quality in the Unhealthy range, or higher. Depending on fire and weather conditions, the portions of the South Coast Air Basin where smoke impacts and Unhealthy air quality are most likely to occur include:

• Portions of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Area Forecast Area 28;

• Portions of the Banning Pass Area Forecast Area 29;

• Portions of the Coachella Valley Forecast Area 30;

• Northeastern portions of the Anza Area Forecast Area 27.

In any area directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. To avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.

To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by email, go to http://AirAlerts.org

To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, click here.

For more tips on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see AQMD’s website

via Smoke Advisory Issued for Coachella Valley – www.kmir6.com.