Smoke Advisory in Effect for Palm Desert, Coachella Valley Due to Silver Fire

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory again Friday for the Coachella Valley and Banning Pass due to ash and smoke from the 16,000-acre Silver Fire burning south of Banning.

The air quality could reach an unhealthy level, according to air quality officials, and residents should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed and run an air conditioner. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors, according to the AQMD.

Smoke from the wildfire, which started Wednesday afternoon, has drifted into the Coachella Valley, although Friday is clearer than the previous two days. 

[RELATED: Click here for the latest information on the Silver Fire, including acreage and containment estimates]

Another blaze, the Falls Fire, is burning five miles west of Lake Elsinore and is expected to be contained Friday.

The advisory also covers parts of Lake Elsinore, Hemet and the Perris, San Jacinto and Temecula valleys.

For more information, go to www.aqmd.gov.

– City News Service.