Smoke advisory continues due to Bobcat Fire from Monday, Sept. 28 through Tuesday, Sept. 29.

This advisory is in effect through Tuesday afternoon. South Coast AQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available.

The Bobcat Fire is burning north of Azusa, Duarte, Monrovia, and Arcadia in the Angeles National Forest and is affecting air quality in the region. As of 8 a.m. on Monday, the burn area was reported at 114,200 acres with 62% containment. Current information on the Bobcat Fire can be found on the Incident Information System (InciWeb) at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7152.

Red flag warnings are in effect on Monday and Tuesday due to critical fire weather, strong gusty winds and low humidity in the mountains and valleys in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Past and Current Smoke Impacts:
The Bobcat Fire is producing smoke on Monday morning based on satellite and webcam imagery. Smoke was visible in the San Gabriel River valley and was being transported downslope to the south. Since Sunday afternoon, monitors and low-cost sensors south of the Bobcat Fire in Azusa and Glendora measured Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories. To view current air quality conditions visit https://www.aqmd.gov/aqdata.

In any area impacted by smoke:
If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity. For more tips on protecting yourself during a wildfire, see South Coast AQMD’s Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety Tips page: http://www.aqmd.gov/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips

Forecasted Smoke and Ash Impacts:
Areas in direct proximity to the Bobcat Fire will experience the highest AQI levels due to smoke impacts. Smoke and ash impacts will be highly variable in both timing and location through Tuesday. Smoke from fires burning in Central California could be present in the upper atmosphere at times during the forecast period. Smoke from the El Dorado Fire could also be visible in the San Bernardino Mountains at times.
Monday afternoon: Winds will be from the east and northeast and push smoke from the Bobcat Fire to the west and southwest into the San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel Valley. Lower smoke impacts may occur at times in the Eastern San Fernando Valley.
Monday evening through Tuesday morning: Winds will be light and variable and push smoke from the Bobcat Fire to the south into parts of the San Gabriel Mountains near the fire and the San Gabriel Valley. Smoke is likely to remain closer to the ground overnight which can increase ground-level particulate matter levels.
Tuesday afternoon: Winds are predicted to be from the east and will move smoke from the Bobcat Fire to the west into the San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel Valley. Lower smoke impacts may occur at times in the Eastern San Fernando Valley.
Extended Outlook for Bobcat Fire:
Smoke impacts in the South Coast Air Basin will likely continue until fire activity decreases for the Bobcat Fire. South Coast Air Quality Management District will continue to provide daily smoke advisory updates until air quality impacts from smoke subside.

In order to avoid increasing PM2.5 levels even further, South Coast AQMD recommends that the public avoid burning wood during periods of poor air quality.

Areas of direct impacts and poor air quality may include portions of Los Angeles County in the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher AQI levels due to PM2.5 concentrations are possible in areas of direct smoke impacts. Impacts will be highly variable throughout the day, impacting different parts of the region at different times. Ozone levels not directly associated with the fire are expected to reach Unhealthy AQI levels in some areas of the South Coast Basin on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. See www.aqmd.gov/forecast for details on the expected ozone levels.