Fire evacuees return to restored power, bad air

Dropping temps and rising humidity gave firefighters a hand today as they entered their fourth day of fighting the Sierra Madre wildfire. (That's Kevin Waites at right, an injured L.A. County firefighter, getting an assist.)

Although power has been restored, residents returning to their homes face poor air quality, the Star-News reports.

Officials have already lifted evacuation orders for 700 of the more than 1,000 people forced from their homes on the eastern side of Baldwin Avenue, and firefighters expect lower temperatures and increased humidity to aid in further reining in the flames today.

Meanwhile the South Coast Air Quality Management District has extended its unhealthful air advisory today for the eastern San Gabriel Valley, Pomona/Walnut Valley and western San Bernardino Valley, as well as the eastern San Bernardino Mountains.

"All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in the area directly impacted by the smoke," said AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood in a statement. "This includes any area where residents can see or smell smoke."

The Star-News story is here. AP update here. And an interesting take from Scientific American.

The city of Pasadena has updates here. For pix and lots of local reaction, check the Foothill Cities Blog's excellent fire coverage.

--Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[LA Times subscriber]

"face poor air quality, the Star-News reports."

Hey, should mention their full name: Pasadena Star News