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Air Quality Could Reach 'Unhealthy' Range In Fire-Ravaged Areas

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles-area smog experts Sunday warned that air quality could reach an "unhealthy range" in areas impacted by smoke from the raging 19,500-acre Powerhouse Fire.

The smoke advisory by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) includes portions of the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Clarita Valley.

The advisory warned against outdoor exercise and cautioned those with lung or heart disease to remain indoors. The elderly and children are also encourage to remain inside.

Sam Atwood of the AQMD says other parts of Los Angeles County could also be impacted depending on how the winds may shift, CBS Radio affiliate KNX 1070 reported.

Presently, smoke and ash has been reported in areas impacted by the fire, including Castaic and Lake Hughes.

The fire erupted Thursday and has destroyed at least six structures and damaged at least nine others.

RELATED STORY: At Least 6 Structures Lost In 19,500-Acre Powerhouse Fire

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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