#United States #Diamond Bar #air purifiers #Palos Fire #AQMD

Enhancement of Air Purifiers Program by South Coast AQMD

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the 2026 Palos Fire in Boyle Heights, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has taken decisive action to support the affected communities. On July 2, 2026, the South Coast AQMD's Governing Board announced an additional $5 million in funding aimed at expediting the distribution of air purifiers to local residents.

Michael Cacciotti, Chair of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board, stated, "The community's call for assistance has been loud and clear. Thousands of residents have applied for this program since the fire began, highlighting its critical necessity." The newly allocated funds will expand the existing AB 617 Residential Air Filtration Program, which is especially crucial as cleanup efforts commence.

The Air Purifier Program

The expanded program is designed to assist residents in Boyle Heights and neighboring areas facing the aftermath of the fire. The initiative addresses health concerns stemming from the cleanup activities, which are likely to generate dust, particulate matter (PM), and unpleasant odors.

Key Offerings

Eligible households can receive:

• - Up to two HEPA air purifiers, certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These purifiers can effectively eliminate 99.97% of particles, including smoke and dust, ensuring cleaner indoor air.
• - A three-year supply of replacement filters for these air purifiers.
• - Direct and hassle-free shipping of all items to applicants' homes at no cost, facilitated by partnerships with multiple vendors for swift delivery.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Residency in the designated areas: East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and West Commerce (ELABHWC).
2. Provide a government-issued ID and/or a utility bill (e.g., water, gas, electric) for residency verification.
3. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.

Residents are encouraged to apply via the online portal at www.aqmd.gov/raf, where the program is currently open for submissions.

Community Outreach Initiatives

In an effort to ensure that residents are fully aware of the program and its benefits, South Coast AQMD is collaborating with local and state officials, community-based organizations, and environmental advocates. This outreach includes:

• - Participation in local community meetings and events, such as farmers markets and neighborhood gatherings.
• - Engagement with the AB 617 ELABHWC Community Steering Committee to foster communication and support.
• - Providing online updates and resources through the South Coast AQMD website.

The outreach will be conducted in both English and Spanish to maximize accessibility. The aim is to assist residents in navigating the application process smoothly.

Additional Measures for Community Health

Beyond the air purifier program, the South Coast AQMD is implementing various strategies to safeguard public health during the cleanup phase. This includes heightened air monitoring, inspections, and continuous community engagement efforts to ensure that residents receive timely updates about their air quality.

Moreover, they are striving to minimize odors and pollution by coordinating efforts with local city and county agencies. Residents are urged to report any odors, smoke, or other air quality concerns directly to South Coast AQMD via 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664), through the complaint portal available on their website, or via the mobile app.

The South Coast AQMD serves as the regulatory body responsible for enhancing air quality for vast regions encompassing Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For more comprehensive details about ongoing initiatives following the Palos Fire and access to air monitoring data, residents can visit www.aqmd.gov/palos.

With these concerted efforts, South Coast AQMD is committed to improving public health and maintaining air quality standards, helping residents navigate the challenges presented by the Palos Fire.