Air Purifier News: Southern California City to Monitor Air Quality Because of Fires

Out-of-control wildfires ravaged thousands of Southern California homes two months ago, and for days, firefighters struggled to subdue flames that engulfed the entire region. These fires were fanned by hot and dry Santa Ana winds, and some of the worst damage was found in upscale-Malibu, a city known as a popular celebrity enclave.

Over 300,000 acres were scorched, and President Bush ultimately declared Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties major disaster areas, therefore opening the way for federal aid for governments, businesses, and people affected by the fires.

This ultimately caused unhealthy air in the region, and according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Mission Viejo, a city in Orange County, will allow the public immediate access to local smoke conditions. The South Coast Air Quality Management Board will add four new sites to the existing 14 that continuously report levels of airborne pollutants - Mission Viejo, Santa Clarita, Crestline, and Temecula.

Costing approximately $225,000 and proposed because of resident complaints during the October fires, the air quality data from this new plan will be automatically recorded and immediately available through the AQMB website, informing residents whether it is safe to go outdoors or exercise.