Unhealthy air halts Redlands Morning Market, other weekend events

REDLANDS, Calif. — The City of Redlands has canceled all organized outdoor activities, including Saturday's Downtown Morning Market and Movies in the Park, through Sept. 15 due to unhealthy air quality caused by the Line Fire and other regional wildfires.

The cancellations extend to outdoor athletic field permits, rentals, organized pickleball programs at the Gonzales Center courts, and tennis lessons at Ford Park.

One week after igniting, the Line Fire has grown to 37,589 acres and is 21% contained, according to the Cal Fire. The fire continues to threaten 65,100 structures, with 11,400 under Evacuation Orders and 54,700 under Evacuation Warnings.

In response to the escalating fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom has authorized the deployment of the California National Guard to aid the state’s firefighting efforts. The National Guard has deployed four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for water drops, two C-130 aircraft equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), and four 20-person hand crews.

Additionally, a military police company has been assigned to assist the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control in evacuated areas.

Local Fire Response

The Redlands Fire Department (RFD) has committed additional resources to the firefighting effort, including one Type 1 Engine for structure defense and a Type 3 Brush Engine for direct fire suppression.

RFD has also stationed a Type 3 Brush Engine at Prado Camp in Chino for rapid regional response and added one more Type 3 Brush Engine in Redlands to ensure local coverage.

This increase has boosted the department’s staffing by 13 firefighters daily, above its regular staffing of 18, said city spokesperson Carl Baker in a media release earlier this week.

The Redlands airport is closed to general aviation traffic and has been a staging ground for helicopters to drop water on the fire.

Air Quality Concerns

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued an advisory due to the significant increase in fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke and windblown dust. "Smoke and ash from the Line Fire and other regional fires have affected air quality across much of Southern California," said Barker in a statement on Wednesday.

The AQMD has extended the air quality alert through Friday, Sept. 13. City officials plan to reassess conditions on Sept. 16 to determine if outdoor activities can safely resume. Residents are urged to monitor local air quality via the AQMD map or its mobile app.

When air quality is unhealthy, health officials recommend that residents remain indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous physical activities, and use air conditioners or purifiers. Those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, and children are especially vulnerable to the poor air quality.

If you smell smoke or see ash, officials advise staying indoors or seeking alternative shelter, and wearing a fitted N-95 or P-100 respirator to reduce exposure when outdoors.

Cooling Centers in Redlands

Despite the outdoor cancellations, Redlands' cooling centers remain open. These centers provide air-conditioned spaces and free activities, including puzzles, games, craft classes, and exercise programs:

• Joslyn Senior Center (21 Grant St.)
• Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Eddie and Gloria Flores Senior Center (111 W. Lugonia Ave.)
• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Joe R. Gonzales Community Center (111 W. Lugonia Ave.)
• Monday: 2-9 p.m.
• Tuesday: 1-9 p.m.
• Wednesday and Thursday: 2-9 p.m.
• Friday: 2-7:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

For information on indoor recreation activities, residents can contact the city's Recreation Division at 909-798-7572 or 909-798-7550.

This article was originally published on 09/11/24 at 12:02 pm. Updated 09/12/24 at 9:10 pm.