Poor Air Quality a Health Concern in Station Fire

Direct Relief delivering emergency aid for vulnerable people

August 31, 2009 

Direct Relief staff met today with representatives from the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) and the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) to coordinate emergency aid to area health facilities during the Station Fire, which has burned more than 105,000 acres and threatens more than 10,000 homes.

Air quality in the greater Los Angeles area is the most significant health concern. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which monitors air quality in Southern California, has issued a smoke advisory for a large part of the region as smoke and ash billow over much of the Southland. See a current air quality map

Direct Relief staff has been in constant contact with partner clinics and health centers in the Los Angeles area to offer medical material aid to help them treat their vulnerable patients. “Thank you so much for thinking of us during these fires,” said Sylvia Lofftus, of Glendale Community Free Health Clinic in Glendale. “Yesterday and today the smoke has been horrific!  Ash is everywhere…[people] with asthma will have a very difficult time with this smoke.”

During recent wildfires in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties, Direct Relief has provided  N95 particulate respirators help protect people with respiratory health issues from the harmful effects of poor air quality. People with asthma are particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke, ash, and particulate matter. The masks especially help those who must be outdoors during the fire.

Direct Relief Offers Emergency Aid in Response to L.A.-Area Fires

August 28, 2009 

Direct Relief today extended emergency medical assistance to partner clinics and health centers in Los Angeles County in response to the Rancho Palos Verdes Fire and the Station Fire, burning near La Cañada.

Working in close collaboration with the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) and the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC), Direct Relief has activated its emergency response team to ensure that clinic and health center medical material needs are met in response to the fires. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles County today as the Station Fire spread through the Angeles National Forest, spreading toward Altadena.

During wildfires, respiratory issues become one of the most pressing health concerns. Nebulizers help treat asthma and N-95 particulate respirators (protective masks) are recommended to help protect lungs from wildfire ash and smoke.

Direct Relief conducts an ongoing support program with the community clinics throughout the state and, as a licensed pharmacy wholesaler, is able to assist with specific medical items not available through other channels. Thanks to longstanding relationships with these health providers, response to fire emergencies is quick and targeted.

While the Palos Verdes Peninsula fire is 70 percent contained after burning 100 acres and damaging six homes, the Station Fire is just 10 percent contained and has burned 1,500 acres.