AQMD launches air quality monitors for Palisades, Eaton fire areas

Southern California air regulators Saturday launched an online dashboard showing data on particulate matter from monitors established this week in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas.

The monitoring sites — one near Altadena Golf Course and another near Will Rogers State Beach — gather data hourly, and results are available on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s website nearly in real-time, according to the agency. The monitoring data enables AQMD officials to evaluate air quality near staging areas, truck activity and other locations impacted by debris removal work.

The sites were chosen based on mobile survey results, cleanup activity and proximity to sensitive areas such as schools and residences. Officials said additional air monitors will be deployed soon. 

The dashboard is accessible by clicking on the map on the AQMD’s wildfire response page, at aqmd.gov/2025-wildfire-response.

Debris removal activities could result in hazardous dust and ash becoming airborne, officials said. The continuous monitors check for dust, or PM10, and fine particles, PM2.5.

“These can enter the lungs and may have negative health impacts,” according to the AQMD.

The agency will sample “air toxic metals” and asbestos every three days, with test results available one week from the sampling date, officials said.

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