(KGTV) — Thick smoke and ash spewing from the Holy Fire scorching Orange and Riverside counties have prompted air quality warnings in the area.
Riverside County officials issued the warning Wednesday for "unhealthy air quality levels" in the county due to the fire. Air quality level maps Thursday showed unhealthy levels for sensitive groups in the Santa Ana and Perris regions.
Moderate air quality levels surrounded that area in places like Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Hemet, and San Clemente.
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The Holy Fire is currently burning through the Cleveland National Forest, sending smoke particles from trees, brush, and some cabins into the air.
“The excessive heat and smoke can make for dangerous health conditions, especially among those with respiratory illnesses, young children and the elderly," Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer, said in a release.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District also issued a warning for areas in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties earlier in the week.
