While fire crews are making progress in their battle against the Sand Fire, health officials warned Wednesday that because of smoke from the blaze, air quality was expected to remain bad in the area for the next two days.
The smoke advisory was set until midnight Thursday for portions of the Santa Clarita Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains. The smoke is predicted to move north and northeast on Wednesday, with the greatest impact felt in the areas near the fire.
County health officials said air will be unhealthy for everyone in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and Antelope valleys and the San Gabriel Mountains.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District urged residents in those areas to stay indoors, and to avoid using swamp coolers or wood-burning appliances.
Health officials urged people living or working in the Santa Clarita, Antelope and San Gabriel valleys and the San Gabriel Mountains with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions to minimize outdoor activities.
The Sand Fire has burned 38,000 acres and is 40 percent contained.
