It's been exceptionally clear out near the beach this week, but today from Downtown or so east the drifting smoke from the brush fire above Azusa has spurred an official air quality alert.

Due to the fire in the Angeles National Forest, air quality may be adversely affected in several parts of Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, recommends that all individuals take precautions when outdoors in areas where there may be visible smoke or an odor of smoke. "In all areas of visible smoke or where there is an odor of smoke, all individuals are urged to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. We are also advising schools that are in session in smoke-impacted areas to suspend outside physical activities in these areas, including physical education and after-school sports, until conditions improve," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and County Health Officer.

Non-school related sports organizations, such as Little Leagues, for children and adults are advised to cancel outdoor practices in areas where there is visible smoke, soot, or ash, or where there is an odor of smoke. This also applies to other recreational outdoor activity, such as hikes or picnics, in these areas.

Throughout Los Angeles County, sensitive individuals, such as those with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory disease, should follow these recommendations and stay indoors as much as possible even in areas where smoke, soot, or ash cannot be seen or there is no odor of smoke.

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