Local News
Southern California facing bad air quality, more fire danger – NBC Los Angeles
As more than a dozen of small and large wildfires burn across Southern California amid a heat wave and dry conditions, officials Monday warned about unhealthy air quality as well as the possibility of having more brush fires in the region.
‘Unhealthy’ air
As warm temperatures trap the smoke and particles emitted from the brush fires, most of Southern California falls under the “unhealthy” air quality category, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The Inland Empire, where the Line Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres of land, is under a smoke advisory as the air quality is considered unhealthy to very unhealthy for seniors as well as the general population due to a high level of pollutants in the air.
“Even in areas far from fires or areas not covered by a smoke advisory, if you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities,” the AQMD said.
In Orange County, the air quality in Orange County is considered unhealthy.
The air quality forecast said the Los Angeles County area could see moderate to unhealthy air quality.
More fire dangers
In addition to the triple-digit temperatures Southern California faced Monday, gusty winds and lightning elevated fire conditions across mountains, valleys and deserts, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned.
The NWS issued a red flag warning of heightened fire danger for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains, Western Antelope Valley Foothills and the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors until 10 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters said wind conditions will “limit the potential for classic red flag criteria,” however, “there is a history of large fires with similar weather conditions during this time of the year.”
The NWS said humidity levels could drop to between 8% and 15% in the red flag areas, with little recovery during overnight hours.
Due to the high heat and heightened fire risk, Malibu’s Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park were closed until further notice, according to the city.
Smokey hurdle for fire crews
Pyrocumulus, which are dense clouds associated with fires and volcanoes, were seen near the sites of the Bridge and Line Fires Monday, affecting firefighters’ visibility.
The cumulus cloud can sometimes be mixed with clouds, NBC Los Angeles meteorologist David Biggar said.
“The main threats for firefighters from these are collapsing pyrocumulus clouds, creating gusty and erratic winds,” Biggar said.
The winds and updrafts can also loft embers, which could lead to spot fires and create more challenges for firefighters.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Local News
How to add California driver’s license to iPhone, Apple Watch – NBC Los Angeles
California driver’s license holders can now add their state ID to Apple Wallet on their IPhone and Apple Watch, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
The digital IDs will be accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check points, including Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco Airport, as well as select businesses.
“With this new integration, we’re working to better serve the people of California in the 21st Century,” Newsom said in a statement.
Here’s how to add your ID to Apple Wallet
- Go to Apple Wallet
- Click the + button on the top right-hand corner
- Under the “Add to Wallet” section, tap “Driver’s License or State ID” to select “California mDL Pilot.
- Scan the front and back sides of your California ID
- Scan your face
- Take a picture
- Wait for verification from the California DMV.
But there’s a catch
The mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program is currently only limited to 1.5 million participants.
If your license is expired or suspended, your mDL will be rejected.
Other factors that could impact your mDL applications are:
- Wearing headwear
- Not using plain background
- Lack of consistent lighting
- Other faces in the frame
- Wearing sunglasses
More tips can be found here.
Last month, the state announced the DMV addition of Google Wallet as an option to hold driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Local News
Find Riverside County Airport Fire recovery assistance – NBC Los Angeles
Residents impacted by the Airport Fire in Riverside County can visit a local assistance center in Lake Elsinore.
Residents seeking assistance with food, health care support and more are welcomed to visit the one-stop resource center located at the Lake Community Center. The center will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Public Health, Housing & Workforce Solutions and other local agencies will be joined by representatives from the California Office of Emergency Services and several nonprofit organizations to provide information on how to get financial, medical and related aid.
Residents seeking help also can click here.
On Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency declaration, enabling the county to seek state and federal allocations for infrastructure repairs or improvements and general recovery of expenses stemming from the blaze.
As of Thursday, the Airport Fire was 41% contained at more than 23,500 acres in Orange and Riverside counties.
For information about Orange County recovery resources, click here.
Local News
Find Orange County Airport Fire recovery resources – NBC Los Angeles
Orange County launched a website and plans to open an assistance center to provide residents with information about recovering from the Airport Fire.
Residents affected by the fire, which also burned in Riverside County, can click here to find information about wildfire assistance.
The county also will open a wildfire recovery assistance center at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. The center will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 3 to 9 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in the second-floor lounge.
The fire, which started more than a week ago, has burned 23,519 acres with containment at 39 percent. The fire destroyed 160 structures and damaged 34 others.
Below-normal temperatures are helping firefighters make progress with helicopter water drops. Crews are working to increse the perimeter with warmer weather in the forecast.
Most evacuation orders and warnings were lifted in Orange County, but many are still in effect in Riverside County. Residents can visit this page to determine if their homes are impacted by evacuation orders or warnings.
The fire was one of three major fires that started during a week of extremely warm temperatures in Southern California.
Information about Los Angeles and San Bernardino county recovery resources can be found here.
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