‘Dam Fire’ smoke impacting air quality across the Victor Valley

Advisory in place for Wrightwood, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Oak Hills

VICTOR VALLEY, Calif. — The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District has issued an official smoke advisory due to impacts from the Dam Fire that broke out Thursday afternoon near Azusa.

The Damn fire is reported to be 240 acres with 0% containment and has prompted mandatory evacuations North of Morris Dam to Crystal Lake, according to the Angeles National Forest Service. The smoke plum from the fire can be seen from Nasa.

Officials said heavy smoke, visible from across the High Desert, is moving up and over the San Gabriel mountains into the Mojave Desert Air Basin.

“Air quality sensor data shows impacts to ambient (breathable) air quality in Phelan and the immediate surrounding communities. Other areas of the MDAQMD jurisdiction were unaffected as of 3:45 p.m. Thursday,” stated officials.

Initial data indicated Air Quality Index levels were in the Unhealthy (Red) category. Everyone may be affected at this AQI level, and it’s particularly unhealthy for those with heart and respiratory illnesses, children, seniors and active adults.

In any area impacted by smoke:
•    everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion;
•    people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors;
•    keep windows and doors closed;
•    run your air conditioner if you have one; recirculation function is ideal. 
•    avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

Levels of smoke and particulates will depend on changes in winds and the containment of the fire. This advisory will be in effect as long as conditions warrant.

#BREAKING: @LACOFD is battling a fire in the Angeles National Forest above #Azusa. This is off of San Gabriel Canyon Road. You can see how close the fire is to nearby homes. #DamFire pic.twitter.com/Y1C7z88tqn

— Andre Tinoco (@iamdretinoco) July 30, 2020

RIGHT NOW: #DamFire in #Glendora @AnthonyNBCLA says a lot of dry fuel with fire burning uphill. But winds not too strong. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/rae1vcLelm

— Stephanie Miranda (@StephNBC4) July 30, 2020

Smoke plumes from the #DamFire in Angeles National Forest can be seen from @NOAA‘s GOES-17 satellite in space https://t.co/lSZ8CVW6nR pic.twitter.com/tXCaCJpVym

— KTLA (@KTLA) July 30, 2020

MDAQMD encourages residents to check local air quality levels by visiting www.AirNow.gov or www.enviroflash.info where you can sign up for text and email alerts with Air Quality forecasts.