July 19, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory Issued for Los Angeles County Amid Strong Santa Ana Windstorm

Public Health Warns of Poor Air Quality, Health Risks as Winds Stir Pollutants From Burn Scars

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory due to strong Santa Ana winds expected to impact the region through Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at 10 p.m. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) warns that the gusty winds may disperse ash from recent wildfire burn scars and generate dust, potentially affecting air quality across Los Angeles County.

Adam Van Gerpen, a hazmat specialist and fire captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department said, “There’s still a lot of hazards. We don’t know what’s in the air. There are unknown chemicals in the air. It’s not safe for people breathing it in.”

Any number of hazardous materials could have been reduced to ash or particulate matter by the fires, including asbestos, gasoline, and exploded batteries from burnt automobiles, burned furniture, and household cleaning products, which contain carcinogens. 

The advisory highlights heightened risks for communities located downwind of burn scars, including areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as air quality may deteriorate, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions.

Health officials provided the following guidelines to minimize exposure to airborne ash and dust:

  • Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier or set air conditioning units to recirculate indoor air.
  • Wear a Mask: If outdoor activities are unavoidable, use an N95 or P100 mask to reduce inhalation of harmful particles, and make sure the mask is fitted properly and tightly over your mouth and nose. 
  • Secure Loose Items: Tie down or bring inside outdoor items like furniture and trash cans to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards.
  • Protect Your Eyes: Use goggles to shield your eyes from ash and debris while outdoors and protect yourself with gloves, long sleeve shirts, and long pants. Remove visible ash from your body as soon as possible. 
  • Stay Informed: Follow updates from local news and weather reports for real-time conditions and advisories.
  • Prepare for Emergencies: Ensure you have essential supplies and a plan in case conditions worsen.

Dust and ash stirred up by strong winds may irritate and exacerbate existing health issues. Officials caution that while ash particles are often visible, their impact on air quality may not always register on Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. These particles can carry harmful substances and pose significant health risks.

Air quality in some areas is expected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse during peak wind events. Conditions are projected to improve by late Wednesday as wind speeds subside.

For the latest air quality forecasts, residents can visit South Coast AQMD’s website or download the South Coast AQMD mobile app, available in both English and Spanish.

in News
Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...