Los Angeles declares health emergency due to smoke, ash, and fine particles from wildfires

los angeles - Authorities in Los Angeles declared a health emergency due to the significant amount of smoke, ash, and fine particles caused by wildfires.

The metropolis has been dealing with several wildfires since last Tuesday in the north of the city and on the northwest outskirts. Concerns are rising that air pollution will worsen this weekend due to a change in wind direction. Sunday may see strong winds, fueling the fires even more.

The firefighting efforts are proving to be challenging. The largest fire in Pacific Palisades has already consumed 86 square kilometers and progress by the firefighters is slow. Evacuations have been expanded north and east of the main blaze in the Palisades, as the fire flared up and spread towards the Brentwood and Encino neighborhoods on Friday.