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A flare-up in the Line Fire, burning 45 miles west of the Coachella Valley, has led to noticeable smoke and haze across parts of the region. The fire, which started on September 5 in the mountains north of Highland, has already scorched over 43,000 acres. While most of the smoke advisory area is west of the Coachella Valley, residents in cities like Palm Springs and Cathedral City reported smelling smoke on Monday morning.
- A Line Fire flare-up has caused smoke and haze in parts of the Coachella Valley, prompting a wildfire smoke advisory from South Coast AQMD.
- Air quality in the region is currently rated as “moderate,” with some areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties seeing higher pollution levels.
- New evacuations were ordered in Seven Oaks and Barton Flats due to the fire’s rapid spread fueled by dry conditions and steep terrain.
- Calm winds have allowed smoke to drift into surrounding areas like Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Yucaipa, affecting air quality.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and monitor air quality updates as firefighters continue battling the blaze.
According to the Desert Sun, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a wildfire smoke advisory covering Riverside and San Bernardino counties, from the San Gorgonio Pass to Ontario. Though the Coachella Valley is just outside the advisory zone, the air quality there has been affected. As of 9:15 a.m., the AQI (Air Quality Index) for most of the valley was rated as “moderate,” indicating that while air pollution levels are acceptable for the general population, sensitive individuals may experience minor respiratory issues.
The flare-up over the weekend forced new evacuations in the Seven Oaks and Barton Flats areas, with Patch reporting that residents were ordered to leave immediately as the fire spread through dry vegetation along steep slopes. The hot, dry conditions have further contributed to the fire’s rapid expansion, and firefighters are now concentrating efforts along the Santa Ana River drainage.
Cal Fire has emphasized the unpredictable behavior of the fire, noting that above-normal temperatures have dried out both vegetation and air moisture, fueling the fire’s spread. Additional firefighting crews and equipment have been deployed to the area, and four night-flying helicopters have been tasked with water drops to control the blaze, according to Cal Fire.
Air quality in Riverside and surrounding counties could continue to worsen depending on the wind. As of Monday, calm winds allowed smoke to spread throughout areas like Highland, Yucaipa, and Redlands. In its advisory, the AQMD urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The agency also recommended using air conditioning or air purifiers to mitigate exposure, but discouraged the use of swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outdoor air.
The fire, which was started by arson, has so far destroyed one structure and damaged four others. Several people, including both civilians and firefighters, have sustained injuries. Evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple areas, including parts of Big Bear Lake and surrounding communities.
As firefighting efforts continue, road closures are in place on major routes such as State Route 330 and Highway 38, while Highway 18 remains open for evacuees. For those affected by the fire, shelters have been set up at Redlands East Valley High School and the Apple Valley Conference Center.
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Cal Fire
Patch
Focus Key Phrase:
Line Fire causes smoke advisory in Coachella Valley
SEO Title:
Line Fire Flare-Up Causes Smoke Advisory in Coachella Valley
Title:
Line Fire Flare-Up Brings Smoke Advisory to Coachella Valley
Meta Description:
A Line Fire flare-up has led to smoke and haze in the Coachella Valley, prompting a wildfire smoke advisory. Air quality is currently rated as “moderate.”
Tags:
Line Fire, Coachella Valley, smoke advisory, air quality, wildfire, Cal Fire, Riverside County, evacuation orders, Santa Ana River, arson
Excerpt:
Smoke from the Line Fire, burning in San Bernardino County, reached parts of the Coachella Valley, leading to a wildfire smoke advisory. The South Coast AQMD reports moderate air quality in the region.
References:
Desert Sun
Cal Fire
Patch
Focus Key Phrase:
Line Fire causes smoke advisory in Coachella Valley
SEO Title:
Line Fire Flare-Up Causes Smoke Advisory in Coachella Valley
Title:
Line Fire Flare-Up Brings Smoke Advisory to Coachella Valley
Meta Description:
A Line Fire flare-up has led to smoke and haze in the Coachella Valley, prompting a wildfire smoke advisory
Tags:
Line Fire, Coachella Valley, smoke advisory, air quality, wildfire, Cal Fire, Riverside County, evacuation orders, Santa Ana River, arson
Excerpt:
Smoke from the Line Fire, burning in San Bernardino County, reached parts of the Coachella Valley, leading to a wildfire smoke advisory