AirNow is a collaborative effort of federal agencies that provides air quality data across the U.S. The site also has up-to-date information about the wildfires, resources, data, and interactive maps to help users learn more about particular areas and how they might be affected. There's also a free AirNow mobile app.

After the fires get under control, wind could help push some particles out of the air, as will gravity with some larger compounds. Gases and fine particles could hang around longer. In burned areas, winds or movement from the cleanup could kick up contaminated soil, putting them back in the air.

On Thursday at 5:14 p.m. an air quality alert was issued valid until Friday at 5 p.m. The alert is for Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Gabriel Mountains,

Air quality across parts of California is deteriorating to hazardous levels as strong winds drive rapid wildfire spread and stir up heavy dust.

An air quality alert was issued on Thursday at 4:59 p.m. in effect until Friday at 5 p.m. The alert is for San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, Riverside County Mountains, San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning,

Already known for having some of the worst air quality in the U.S., people in Southern California are now also at risk of inhaling smoke.