Altadenablog’s old stomping grounds, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, says that there is an unhealthful level of particulate pollution (or PM10) for sensitive groups, and special precautions should be taken.  Here’s a link to fact sheets about particle pollution caused by fires and what you can do about it.

Our friend Monica Hubbard has forwarded this announcement from Pasadena Public Health:

PASADENA PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT #1

As a result of the ongoing wildfires in the foothills above Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia, air quality continues to remain unhealthful throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

As of today, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has upgraded the local air quality scale to unhealthy particle pollution levels for sensitive groups.

Pasadena Public Health Department is providing the following advisory for anyone children, seniors and anyone with medical issues such as heart disease, emphysema, asthma and other lung conditions: 

* Stay indoors as much as possible.

* Keep windows, doors and fireplace dampers shut if possible.

* If possible, circulate clean air indoors through the use of air conditioners and/or air cleaners and purifiers.  Air conditioners with HEPA filters further reduce the level of particles that circulate indoors.

* Avoid non-essential, prolonged vigorous physical activity outdoors.

* Monitor medical conditions and be vigilant about taking medications prescribed by health care providers.

* Anyone with asthma should keep “as needed” medications with them at all times and contact their health care providers if symptoms develop.

* People who develop persistent coughs or develop breathing difficulties should contact their health care professionals.

For more information visit the city of Pasadena website at www.cityofpasadena.net or the Air Quality Management District website at www.aqmd.gov, or call Pasadena Public Health Department (626) 744-6012 or AQMD at (800) 288-7664.

# # #

Ann Erdman
Public Information Officer
City of Pasadena
Public Affairs Office
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S228
Pasadena CA  91109

Also: California State fire information site is here (and I guess this is officially dubbed the Santa Anita Fire).

And PUSD reports that SIerra Madre public schools WILL BE OPEN tomorrow.