California cities told to stop burning candles

California officials are urging residents in several cities to avoid burning candles, as indoor air pollution could further worsen air quality already impacted by the Post Fire blazing in southern California.

The Post Fire, California’s first major fire of the year, started on Saturday afternoon and has spurred 1,200 people to evacuate the area. As of Monday afternoon, the fire had burned more than 15,000 acres and was only 8 percent contained.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert for the cities of Lake Castaic, Newhall, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Tejon Pass, Gorman, Pyramid Lake, Acton, Warm Springs, Mill Creek, Mount Wilson, Mount Baldy, Wrightwood, and The Angeles Crest Highway until 5 p.m. local time on Monday evening after elevated fine particulate matter levels were identified.

“If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter, if feasible. Avoid vigorous physical activity and run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use whole house fans or swamp coolers that bring in outside air,” the air quality alert said. “Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling. If you must be outdoors, keep the time brief and wear a tightly-fitted N-95 or P-100 respirator to help reduce exposure. Limit the use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.”

Newsweek reached out to the South Coast Air Quality Management District by phone for comment.

According to the alert, one’s exposure to the pollution could cause “serious health problems,” including worsening lung disease, asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections.

“Additionally, people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children are particularly susceptible and should avoid prolonged exposure,

strenuous activities or heavy exertion as conditions dictate,” the alert said.

“Levels of particle pollution can vary hour by hour and by location depending on fire behavior and local weather conditions,” the alert added.

As of Monday afternoon, AirNow, a coalition involving the U.S. government and tribal agencies that monitors air quality, estimated the air quality in California to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

“Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected,” the warning said.

The California air quality alert comes as several states around the nation have faced worsening air quality due to rising summer temperatures. At times, the air quality prompted various officials to remind residents to avoid refueling their cars or using gas-powered equipment until the air quality had improved.