As smoke, dust and harmful ash continue to hit areas throughout Los Angeles County amidst several wildfires, burn scars and wind, two air quality advisories have been issued. Smoke from the Hughes fire, which began on Wednesday, Jan. 22, has resulted in unhealthy air quality, the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced. The areas surrounding the wildfire, including the San Gabriel Mountains, the 5 Freeway corridor near Castaic Lake and Santa Clarita, are expected to be the most impacted by the Hughes fire, which started near Castaic in the Antelope Valley and exploded to 10,176 acres. The smoke advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems, Dr. Muntu Davis, health officer for Los Angeles County, said in a news release. A windblown dust and ash advisory also was issued by the county’s Public Health agency, warning that Santa Ana winds gusting through the city may stir up ash and create dust from burn scar areas of the Palisades, Eaton and other recent fires. That advisory is in place until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. People are encouraged to wear N95 or P100 masks, avoid the outdoors, limit exercise, keep doors and windows closed, protect their eyes and keep pets inside. “Air quality may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse in some regions. While ash particles are typically visible, they may not always affect Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. Nonetheless, these particles can carry toxic materials and pose significant health risks,” the County of Los Angeles Public Health wrote in a news release. More information about air quality can be found at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Air quality monitoring not equipped to measure full dangers from Eaton, Palisades fires, experts say   Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Bill Burr and Shane Gillis will host a one-night show for Los Angeles wildfire aid Crime and Public Safety | President Trump again threatens to withhold disaster aid from California Crime and Public Safety | No reported growth overnight in Hughes fire near Castaic as crews prepare for more tough weather Crime and Public Safety | Cracks emerge in House GOP after speaker’s threat to saddle California wildfire aid with conditions Crime and Public Safety | Preliminary damage costs for LA fires at $385 million, expected to rise