Ash advisory expanded during Ventura County’s Mountain Fire – CBS Los Angeles
Ash advisory expanded during Ventura County's Mountain Fire CBS Los Angeles
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Ash Advisory Issued for Southern California Due to Mountain Fire
Ash advisory has been issued for most of Southern California as crews work to contain the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. The advisory applies to Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Regulators have observed widespread dust in satellite and webcam images, extending as far as the Coachella Valley and covering most of the South Coast Air Basin. The Santa Ana winds responsible for the rapid growth of the Mountain Fire have also caused the kick-up in dust and ash throughout the region.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The ash advisory highlights the importance of protecting public health by addressing air quality concerns and providing recommendations for residents to limit their time outdoors and use proper personal protective equipment.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The Mountain Fire, exacerbated by severe winds, serves as a reminder of the need for climate action to mitigate the impacts of wildfires and extreme weather events.
The fire started amidst severe winds affecting Southern California, leading the National Weather Service officials to issue Red Flag Warnings. In this particular instance, they issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert due to the threat posed by an ongoing or imminent fire weather pattern.
Meteorologists have recorded gusts of wind exceeding 60 miles per hour during the fire.
The ash advisory will remain in effect until at least 2 p.m. on Thursday. The South Coast Air Quality Management District believes that the gusty winds and fire have caused the air quality to drop to unhealthy or worse levels immediately after the fire. However, there may be some improvement at night, with air quality dropping to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Conditions may worsen on Thursday, with air quality levels elevating to moderate.
Recommendations for Sustainable Actions
- Avoid vigorous physical activity and limit time spent outdoors.
- Avoid using leaf blowers and slow down on dirt roads to prevent more debris from being released into the air.
- Use proper personal protective equipment, such as N95 masks, when near ash.
- Wash off any ash that comes into contact with the skin as soon as possible.
The nonprofit organization Direct Relief will be distributing 250,000 N95 masks at the Ventura Family YMCA. The distribution will take place between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, with each individual allowed to take up to two masks.
More from CBS News
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator: Air quality index and levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator: Air quality index and levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the issuance of an ash advisory due to the Mountain Fire in Southern California. The advisory is related to air quality, which is a key aspect of SDG 3, as it aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions the South Coast Air Quality Management District issuing an ash advisory for multiple counties in Southern California. This highlights the importance of air quality in urban areas, which is a focus of SDG 11.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The article discusses the impact of the Mountain Fire on air quality, which can lead to adverse health effects. Target 3.9 aims to reduce the number of illnesses and deaths caused by air pollution, making it relevant to the article.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The article highlights the ash advisory issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which is related to air quality in urban areas. Target 11.6 focuses on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality, making it applicable to the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the air quality index and the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as indicators of air quality. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.9 and Target 11.6, as they provide information on the pollution and contamination levels in the affected areas.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator: Air quality index and levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator: Air quality index and levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) |
Source: cbsnews.com
