Massive plumes from multiple fires in Los Angeles County are choking the region’s skies and sending air quality to dangerous levels. Thursday morning Los Angeles had an AQI of 182, considered “unhealthy,” without much relief on the horizon. The smoke was so dense that it was captured on satellite photos.
The rising Pacific Palisades fire plume is seen in Los Angeles during high winds on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Current forecasts through Saturday show most of the smoke from the wildfires wafting out into the ocean and making a weak return back to the coast as far north as Monterey. So far, there is no sign that smoke is headed to the Bay Area (see below).
Authorities in Los Angeles are asking residents in the region to limit their exposure to the toxic smoke and stay inside, ideally with an air purifier. Also, when outdoors wear a N95 mask.
