Thousands urged to stay inside in California

Thousands of residents across California—including Portola, Sattley and Cromberg, and also parts of the Plumas National Forest and Sierra Valley—have been advised to stay indoors due to high levels of fine particle matter pollution—PM2.5—in the atmosphere, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

A live map, produced by AirNow, which measures the air quality across the United States, recorded an “unhealthy” level of air pollution at 10 p.m. PST on December 13.

AirNow is warning people in vulnerable groups in affected areas—such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, young children, teens, and older adults—to “take steps to reduce exposure” to the polluted air, including avoiding arduous outdoor activities and limiting time spent outside, by either moving outdoor activities inside or rescheduling them.

All others in the affected areas have been advised to “choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running)” and limit the amount of time spent outdoors.

This is a developing story and will be updated.