Pasadena Under Smoke Advisory as Summit Fire Sends Haze Over Region

Pasadena residents are under a smoke advisory through 5 p.m. Saturday as the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health warned of unhealthy air quality conditions caused by smoke drifting south from the Summit Fire near Phelan. The county issued the advisory Friday, citing information from the South Coast AQMD.

Public Health said smoke from the 2,271-acre fire, reported by AQMD as of 6:30 p.m. Friday, is moving at high altitude over portions of the San Gabriel Mountains, including areas visible from Pasadena.

Officials said surface-level smoke impacts are described as Moderate.  Haze or orange-tinted skies may be visible overhead.

Health officials warned that smoke exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms — including difficulty breathing, chest pain, or significant respiratory distress — should seek immediate medical care.

Public Health issued several recommendations for residents:

• Indoor precautions — Stay inside with doors and windows closed if you smell or see smoke or ash.
• Air purifier use — Run an air purifier if available and avoid whole-house fans or swamp coolers that draw outdoor air indoors.
• Mask guidance — Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must be outdoors for extended periods in smoky or ashy areas.
• Heat safety — If indoor temperatures are unsafe, go to a public place such as a library or shopping center.
• Home cleaning — Avoid fireplaces, candles, and vacuums; clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth and do not smoke.
• Medical symptoms — Contact a doctor or urgent care for severe coughing, wheezing, chest pain, palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.

Public Health also advised residents to follow safe clean-up practices after fire events and referred the public to county wildfire resources and AQMD’s real-time air quality tools.