Tenaja fire impacting air quality throughout Riverside County

The Tenaja fire has charred 2,000 acres and has prompted officials to warn residents about the dangers it poses to the air quality.

A smoke advisory issued Wednesday by the South Coast Air Quality Management District has been extended through Friday afternoon in Riverside County and some portions of Orange County.

“Gusty winds from the southwest (Thursday) afternoon and evening are expected to transport smoke into the Inland Empire,” the advisory reads.

“Overall, meteorological conditions may bring smoke into portions of Riverside and Orange counties. Air quality may reach unhealthy for sensitive groups or higher levels in areas directly impacted by smoke.”

Murrieta Valley Unified School District canceled classes on Thursday, and other districts followed suit and have canceled classes for Friday, Sept. 6, including MVUSD.

The fire, which began Wednesday in vegetation near Murrieta, sent smoke throughout the region which was also plagued by strong wind gusts. Riverside University health officials also warned Wednesday night of white ash that may fall onto property and roads.

“Ash and smoke can be hard on anyone to breathe, but especially those with lung disease,” Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer, said in the statement. “Everyone worries about the flames, but smoke can impact you even if you’re miles away from the fire.”

They advised residents take precautions such as keeping windows and doors closed, avoiding wood burning and staying indoors if you have respiratory or heart disease.