Line fire flare-ups are causing the smell of smoke in parts of the Coachella Valley

Smoke could be smelled in the air in some parts of the Coachella Valley, reflecting increasing activity from the Line Fire, which was burning about 45 miles west in the mountains north of Highland. The increased fire activity prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a wildfire smoke advisory for a portion of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, extending west from San Gorgonio Pass to Fontana and Ontario.

While the Coachella Valley lies east of the advisory area, the smell of smoke and hazy air was observed in both Palm Springs and Cathedral City Monday morning.

What is the air quality in the Coachella Valley?

As of 9:15 a.m., air quality across most of the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs and other western parts closest to the fire, was rated “moderate” on South Coast AQMD’s online air quality map, which is updated hourly. The map shows the current air quality index, an indicator of how polluted the air is based on the presence of several major pollutants.

But west at San Gorgonio Pass, air quality was rated as either “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or “unhealthy,” with Banning and Beaumont rated the latter and having the worst air quality in the entire AQMD jurisdiction on Monday. However, this area is concentrated in more urban areas stretching from the coast to the desert and does not include the burn area itself.

The advisory, which is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 5 p.m. Monday, warns that the AQI could reach a “very unhealthy” rating in some areas, particularly near the fire.

Why is the fire suddenly producing more smoke?

The Line Fire, which broke out on September 5, has been 83% contained after burning over 43,000 hectares. However, South Coast AQMD reported that the fire has consumed unburned fuel within its containment lines and will likely continue to do so for the next few days. The agency added that calm winds were expected to produce smoke in Highland, San Bernardino, Redlands, Yucaipa, Beaumont and surrounding areas.

Cal Fire reported in an update released Monday that firefighting efforts are focused on two areas that are seeing much of the current activity but continue to be challenged by hot, dry conditions and steep terrain.

The San Bernardino National Forest also released an update, explaining that firefighters had expected the fire to grow somewhat due to recent conditions, but that “fire behavior has exceeded expectations” due to “dry vegetation, steep slopes and wind that arose yesterday, arose”. Conditions for the rapid spread of the fire yesterday.

The new fire activity led to the issuance of new evacuation orders and warnings for areas nearby where the fire has spread.

How to protect yourself from smoke

South Coast AQMD advises anyone in smoke-prone areas to limit smoke exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed. They also advised that people in smoky areas avoid vigorous exercise.

The agency said a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator can provide some protection for those who need to be outside in affected areas.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and email him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Line fire flares cause smoke smell in Coachella Valley