Smoke from the fires burning in Orange County Monday could pose a health danger to residents in Orange County, officials said Monday.
The air quality in much of the region is considered hazardous by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the city of Santa Ana said in a news alert.
The 4,000-acre Silverado Fire began about 6:45 a.m. at Santiago Canyon and Silverado Canyon roads and was 0% contained as of 1 p.m.
The blaze at one point was burning along the 133 Freeway as smoke blanketed the area.
An evacuation order is in place for about 60,000 residents and several centers have been set up to host people fleeing from their homes.
Later, evacuations were ordered in Yorba Linda for the Blue Ridge Fire. Both blazes were being fanned by gusty Santa Ana winds and blanketed area with smoke.
Dr. Clayton Chau, Orange County’s health officer, asked residents to drink plenty of water to reduce health risks related to wildfire smoke.
Older adults, people with preexisting conditions like heart or lung disease, people with disabilities, children and those who work outdoors should take extra precautions amid unhealthy air quality.
Though no evacuations are in place in Santa Ana, the city closed public swimming pools, a Boo at the Zoo event at the city zoo and discouraged other activities until the air quality improves.
Click here to view current air quality conditions by region.