Monterey County issues health alert

Officials say smoke from fires may continue to impact Monterey County for several days due to projected wind patterns.

People are advised to use common sense: stay indoors if it looks smoky outside, especially those with heart or lung disease or those who have children.

Officials also advise running the air conditioner with the fresh air intake closed to avoid breathing in smoke particles.

Monterey County health officials warn against using swamp coolers as they just pull in smoky air from outside and have this additional important advice, “Staying inside with the windows closed and no air conditioning may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.”