Air quality advisories issued amid massive Sand Fire

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Air quality advisories for residents in Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Valley and San Gabriel Mountains were issued Monday amid the fast-moving Sand Fire.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District said air quality conditions were unhealthy for everyone in Santa Clarita Valley and for sensitive individuals in the other two regions.

A Sand Fire smoke advisory issued on Saturday was also still in effect, officials stated in a press release.

Los Angeles County Interim Health Officer Jeffrey Gunzenhauser recommended people living or working in these areas with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases to stay indoors and minimize time outside.

Schools with children who have sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, should not participate in outdoor physical activity and should also stay indoors.

In addition to staying indoors, people should run air conditioners in their homes and cars on the "recycle" mode, according to thoracic surgeon Dr. Robert McKenna.

Air quality officials said that refraining from increasing indoor pollution is critical, which includes activities such as burning candles, using gas stoves and vacuuming.

McKenna also advised cigarette smokers to refrain from smoking while the skies are polluted with thick smoke.