Smoke from California Wildfires Sweeps Through Multiple Cities on the West Coast

The Summit Forest Fire in Southern California continues to spread. Fueled by high temperatures, drought, and gusty winds, the fire has expanded, with the burned area exceeding 1,100 hectares. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several residential areas surrounding the fire zone. The burning forest is releasing large amounts of PM2.5 fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Thick smoke and dust continue to spread northward along the coastline, shrouding Los Angeles and San Francisco in smoke. Air quality has dropped to “unhealthy” levels, and local authorities have issued ongoing air pollution alerts.