Smoke advisory due to Vista fire in effect until July 10

Photo credit: Inciweb / San Bernardino National Forest

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) is advising of potentially poor air quality in the High Desert of San Bernardino County due to wildfire smoke impacts from the Vista fire.

This advisory is in effect through at least July 10, 2024, but may be extended depending on firefighting efforts and local weather conditions.

Vista fire update

San Bernardino County Fire reported at 9:00 a.m., July 9, that the fire is 1,095 acres, 0% contained. The Mt. Baldy Resort was evacuated Sunday afternoon and remains closed at this time.

Lytle Creek Road is closed to the public at Glen Helen Parkway. It is open to residents only.

For updates on the Vista Fire click here.

Smoke advisory

MDAQMD says they measured an increase in PM2.5, the pollutant commonly found in wildfire smoke. Winds on Tuesday afternoon were pushing smoke from the Vista fire, which broke out on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

“Increasing levels of smoke can affect everyone, but it’s particularly unhealthy for those with heart and respiratory illnesses, children, seniors and active adults,” said the advisory.

In any area impacted by poor air quality including smoke:

everyone should consider avoiding any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion;
people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should consider remaining indoors;
keep windows and doors closed;
run your air conditioner if you have one – recirculation function is ideal;
avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing outdoor pollutants inside.

MDAQMD encourages residents to check local air quality levels by visiting www.AirNow.gov. Sign up for text and email air quality forecasts at www.enviroflash.info