August 7, 2026

Contact:
media@ph.lacounty.gov
(626) 430-5360

Smoke Advisory

Unhealthy Air Quality Declared due to Fire

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), a Smoke Advisory has been issued for portions of Los Angeles County due to smoke from the Ridge Fire near Gorman, which began at 2:30 PM and has burned approximately 1000 acres as of 5:30 PM on Friday, August 7. Wildfire impacts are expected along the I-5 corridor between Castaic Lake and Lebec. Smoke impacts depend on the extent of the fire’s spread.

The advisory is in effect through 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8.

Smoke exposure may cause temporary irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Individuals experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant respiratory distress, should seek medical attention immediately.

The following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of bad air quality:

• If you smell smoke or see smoke or ash at ground level, remain indoors with doors and windows closed.
• Run an air purifier if available.
• Avoid using a whole house fan or swamp cooler as they can bring polluted air indoors.

• If you see or smell smoke, or notice particles and ash in the air, stay indoors to limit exposure, especially if you have heart or lung conditions, are elderly, or have children.
• Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside in smoky conditions for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present.
• If it’s too hot to keep windows and doors closed, go to a public place like a library or shopping center to stay cool and protect yourself from harmful air.
• Avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums. Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and don’t smoke.
• If you experience symptoms like severe coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor or go to urgent care. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
• Practice safe clean-up following a fire. Follow the ash clean-up and food safety instructions at https://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/.

To stay updated with real-time/forecasted Air Quality in your area, download the South Coast AQMD Mobile App: https://www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp (Also available in Spanish!) or visit https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/air-quality-forecasts.