Smoke advisories extended, expanded across the Inland Empire

Smoke advisories have expanded across the Inland Empire due to wildfires that continue to burn in Hemet and near Big Bear Lake.

Smoke advisories for areas Riverside County and San Bernardino were extended through Friday night, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The smoke advisories were issued as firefighters continue to battle the Fairview Fire in Riverside County and the Radford Fire in San Bernardino County.

Both fires are sending up large smoke plumes with the potential to worsen air quality for sensitive groups, the SCAQMD said. Anyone who smells smoke or sees ash in the air should stay indoors with their windows and doors closed and avoid vigorous physical activity.

Riverside County health officials echoed the SCAQMD's recommended precautions.

"Residents in the San Jacinto Valley, Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee areas, along with portions of Lake Elsinore Valley need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe," Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung said.

Wildfire smoke can cause burning eyes, running nose, shortness of breath, scratchy throat, headaches, and chest pains, Riverside County public health officials. It can also worsen chronic heart and lung conditions.

The lingering heat wave also prompted the SCAQMD also extended an ozone warning first issued on Aug. 29. Ozone air pollution can be intensified by extreme heat and cause respiratory problems, particularly for children, older adults, and people with asthma or COPD.

Visit the South Coast AQMD website for a live Air Quality Index map.