Updates on the LA Wildfire Crisis

Wildfire Smoke Impact

Persons impacted by wildfire smoke are advised to:

• Limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure if you smell smoke.  
• Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside.
• Reduce exposure to smoky air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, if possible.
• Stay tuned to local media for changes in smoke or weather conditions.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, and irritated eyes and sinuses. Substances released from fires far away, while very unlikely to cause any significant health hazards, can contribute to headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger shortness of breath and/or wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD.  

For most people, the conditions remain unpleasant rather than dangerous.  However, elderly persons, children, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

Limit Outdoor Exposure

• What if I must be outside?

First, reconsider: the only way to completely avoid potential health risks from both chemicals and particulates found in smoke is to avoid exposure, and wearing masks can not only feel claustrophobic, but can provide a false sense of security and cause harm if you rely on them for protection while continuing with regular activities.

If you MUST be active outside in smoky areas, consider use of a particulate respirator such as an N95 to filter out some of the particulate matter.  These masks do not filter harmful chemicals found in smoke, and are proven to provide protection only if individually fitted by a trained provider, but can provide limited particulate filtration and comfort for those sensitive to the smoke.  They are NOT a substitute for staying inside.  Some may find a similar comfort from wearing a damp scarf or cloth over nose and mouth.  Note that simple paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from the small particles found in wildfire.

Wildfire Smoke Health Advisory

January 12, 2025

Chaitali Mukherjee, MD, MPH

Protect Yourself During a Wildfire

During a wildfire event, the first things you should protect are yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary.

Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide​ and ozone that are known to cause health issues. Particulate matter can trigger respiratory problems and asthma. Those most at risk include the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory and heart conditions. Children are also at a higher risk as they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults​ and wildfire smoke can irritate their still-developing lungs.​

Emergency Evacuation Preparedness

Wildfires can lead to emergency evacuations and it’s important to follow your local officials when evacuations are ordered. If you’re looking for current evacuation information, monitor local news outlets (television, radio, etc.) as well as official social media sites for emergency responders (sheriff, police, fire). Be sure to follow the directions of safety personnel to ensure your safety and the safety of first responders. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. Time is crucial!​

Here are the “P’s of Preparedness” to help you organize your ​evacuations efforts:

• People
• Pets
• Papers (important documents)
• Phone numbers or phones
• Prescriptions (medications and glasses)
• Pictures (and other mementos)
• PCs (for the info stored on them)
• Plastic (credit cards, cash)

When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:

• Monitor local area radio or television states for the latest wildfire information.
• Be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
• Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.
• Locate nearby shelters, including ones that take pets.
• Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area.

General UCLA Resources

• Bruins Safe Online (BSO):  The latest updates regarding campus operations and emergency statuses will be shared at BSO.
• Bruins Safe App: The Bruins Safe app sends instant notifications and instructions when on-campus emergencies occur, allows for contact with campus safety staff quickly for help during an emergency or to report a hazard, and provides safety resources. 
• BruinALERT: UCLA's public alert and warning system, used to distribute emergency notifications to the campus community. A BruinALERT emergency notification is primarily used in an emergency to notify the UCLA campus community of a dangerous situation and/or immediate threat to their health or safety. Click on the link to make sure your contact information is updated so you receive notifications.
• Be Well Bruin: UCLA’s hub for all resources related to basic needs and physical, academic, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.

Support Services for Students

• Case Management Services: For students feeling distressed and coping with multiple needs such as academic concerns, financial crisis, health and well-being, relationship dynamics, or other stressors. 
• Economic Crisis Response team: For students experiencing a financial crisis, ECRT can assist in reviewing financial options; students are encouraged to contact via email at ecr@saonet.ucla.edu. Students needing basic need or financial support should complete the ECRT self-assessment form.
• Financial Aid: If a family’s ability to contribute towards the educational costs of their student has been impacted, students can contact the Financial Aid Message Center or call Financial Aid and Scholarships at 310-206-0400.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS will serve as a crisis line (310-825-0768) 24 hours a day for students in need of support due to fires.
• Resilience in your Student Experience (RISE): UCLA RISE Center also provides support for mental and emotional wellbeing, including mindfulness and meditation events every week. RISE will hold specialized drop-in support and programming for those impacted by fires Monday through Thursday from 1pm-5pm through the end of January.
• Academic Support: Students are encouraged to write to their faculty to share details about what has transpired and request support. Students may contact the Dean-on-Call at 310-825-3871 or at dean@saonet.ucla.edu for support in contacting faculty.
• Office of the Dean of Students: If students have additional questions or require resources not listed above, they may contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (310) 825-3871 or dean@saonet.ucla.edu.