Air Quality Alert in Southern California as Wildfires Burn

Multiple wildfires are burning across Southern California, prompting air quality alerts for millions of residents. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an alert due to fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke.

- The alert covers the Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside counties) and parts of Los Angeles County, including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita. - Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing health risks.

- The Santa Rosa Island Fire has burned over 17,500 acres and is 44% contained; investigators are looking into whether it was sparked by an SOS flare from a stranded boater. - The Sandy Fire in Ventura County may have started when a tractor struck a rock in dry vegetation.

The alert remains in effect until 10 p.m. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and check air quality updates.