LISTING OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS RELEASES
News Release
Los Angeles County Public Health Logo

313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 288-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

January 10, 2025

Local Health Emergency Declared Due to Critical Fire Events and Windstorm Conditions - Health Officer Issues Order Prohibiting Use of Power Air Blowers, Including Leaf Blowers, to Reduce Health Risks from Fire Ash and Smoke

Public Health has declared a Local Health Emergency and issued a Public Health Officer Order in response to the widespread impacts of the ongoing multiple critical fire events and windstorm conditions. The fire events have caused significant health and safety risks for residents across the county.

The fires, coupled with strong winds, have severely degraded air quality by releasing hazardous smoke and particulate matter, posing immediate and long-term risks to public health. Additionally, the fires have caused widespread displacement of residents, prompted emergency evacuations from healthcare facilities, and disrupted vital health services and resources.

To help protect the health and wellbeing of residents, the use of power air blowers, including leaf blowers, is prohibited until further notice. These devices stir up ash and particulate matter into the air, further worsening air quality and increasing health risks for everyone and their pets, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations.

The order applies to all areas of Los Angeles County due to the widespread presence of ash and particulate matter in the air throughout the entire region.

Additionally, the following recommendations will help you protect yourself and your family from harmful effects of bad air quality:

The following is recommended for pets:



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