South Coast AQMD is supporting ongoing federal, state and local efforts in response to the Los Angeles Wildfires. We have issued Executive Orders to allow additional use of emergency standby generators and are providing support and technical guidance for cleanup efforts.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires.

Precautions for Local Residents

Exposure to smoke and ash from the wildfires remains a potential health concern. Ash is typically visible to the naked eye either in the air or on outdoor surfaces.

The public should take precautions when any one of the following occurs:

• Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels are elevated
• You smell Smoke
• You see Ash

Precautions include:

• Limiting your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
• If you have to be outside, wearing an N-95 mask can provide some protection.
• Avoiding vigorous physical activity.
• Running your HVAC system and/or an air purifier.
• If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.

Avoid attempting to clean up fire debris – i.e., damaged structures, furniture, personal belongings, vehicles, vegetation, or other items that have been burned by the wildfires. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) and the Pasadena Public Health Department, issued orders prohibiting the unsafe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris. These order aims to safeguard public health and safety by prohibiting residents from removing debris without adequate oversight.

If it is necessary for you to clean up ash that is impacting living or work spaces in areas not damaged by fire, please use the following general precautions:

• Always put on personal protective wear (e.g., long sleeve shirts, pants, gloves and safety glasses) when you must be around ash for an extended period of time
• A well-fitting respirator, such as an N-95 mask, may provide some protection
• If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible
• All clothing, shoes and other protective wear should be removed, wiped or cleaned as appropriate before entering your residence
• Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions (e.g., dry sweeping) that will put ash into the air
• To clean up ash, use vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or mist lightly with water before gently sweeping

For More Wildfire Smoke, Ash and Safety Tips, visit: https://www.aqmd.gov/wildfiretips

Wildfire Executive Order

In response to the ongoing wildfires and Governor Newsom’s State of Emergency for Los Angeles County, South Coast AQMD has issued an Executive Order for use of emergency engines. The ongoing fires and windstorm conditions continue to threaten structures, homes, and critical infrastructure, including power lines and water tanks causing many power outages.

South Coast AQMD’s Executive Order suspends any rules or permit conditions limiting hours of operation for emergency engines in Los Angeles County that would delay critical actions necessary to combat the wildfires or protect public health or safety.

The Executive Order, can be found here and has been extended until 11:59 pm on February 6, 2025.

For any questions, please send an email to EmergencyRelief@aqmd.gov.

If you have any other questions about the process or the agency’s Executive Orders, please contact:

Terrence Mann
Deputy Executive Officer for Compliance & Enforcement
Phone: 909-396-3023
Email: tmann@aqmd.gov

Air Monitoring

South Coast AQMD is working very closely with the Unified Command comprising the federal, state and local agencies that are working together on wildfire cleanup and recovery.

Air Quality Index

South Coast AQMD provides information about regional air quality through an existing air monitoring network that includes regulatory monitors, portable instruments and private sensors. This includes regional pollutants such as ozone, particulates (found in wildfire smoke and dust), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Real time air quality information can be found on South Coast AQMD’s AQI Map at: https://www.aqmd.gov/aqimap
Sign up for air quality advisories at: https://www.airalerts.org

Download our free mobile app (available in English and Spanish) at: https://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp

Air Toxic Metals

• South Coast AQMD conducts lead measurements at seven locations throughout the Basin, as part of its overall, ongoing air monitoring program.
• Lead, arsenic, and other air toxic metals are also measured at several sites in Los Angeles County.
• These sites are part of South Coast AQMD’s routine air monitoring network and are not specific to the wildfire response.
• Data from these sites should not be used to draw conclusions on levels of air toxics within the burn areas.
• The Palisades and Eaton fires both began on January 7, 2025. Data analyzed between January 7 and January 11 from air monitors impacted by the smoke plume show that air toxic metals (e.g., arsenic and lead) were highly elevated, even compared to other fires in our region that occurred in non-urban areas (i.e., Bridge and Rabbit fires).
• After January 12, air toxic metals have decreased significantly and are now generally similar to pre-fire levels.

• Additional analysis was conducted to compare measured regional air toxic levels and reported AQI values.
• In areas downwind of the fires, preliminary analysis shows that when levels of air toxic metals increased, AQI also increased. At the Huntington Park monitor, when levels of air toxic metals were above typical levels, the AQI was “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse 98% of the time.

VOCs

• VOCs associated with these types of fires in urban areas are odorous.
• If you smell something, take precautions as described above.

Asbestos

• Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that is known to be present in walls, roofing, insulation, and other parts of houses and other structures (regardless of the age of a building).
• Consequently, there is a high likelihood that asbestos will be found in debris from structures burned by the wildfires.
• Asbestos fibers can become airborne if disturbed and create a health hazard when inhaled, so any structures or items burned by the wildfires should therefore be avoided (see Precautions for Local Residents above).
• For more information, please visit South Coast AQMD’s dedicated page for Asbestos Demolition & Removal.

Additional Resources

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) 2025 Southern California Wildfire Response webpage
Los Angeles County’s LA County Recovers includes various online resources, such as interactive maps for each fire, Frequently Asked Questions, and links to community assistance programs.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Heath LADPH has also created online resources