OFFICIALS: SMOKY AIR COULD LINGER.

Byline: SUSAN ABRAM

Staff Writer

The smoky haze that hung over the San Fernando Valley and nearby Los Angeles from the Griffith Park Fire created unhealthful air that could linger for a few days, air quality officials said.

Wednesday, the county Department of Public Health issued an alert warning children, the elderly and residents with lung and heart ailments to restrict outdoor activities.

"Schools in this area should discontinue physical activity, including physical education, in all areas with visible smoke," the alert advised.

Fine particulates -- soot -- can hang around for days after a brush fire, said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

"The particulates can stay in the air, depending on a lot of things, including wind patterns. Sometimes what will happen is there will be a normal wind pattern, when the winds will come from the ocean and blow the particulates into the inland valleys, then reverse, so there's a recirculation."

L.A. residents also were warned that wildlife displaced by the fire might wander into backyards searching for water. Officials urged residents to leave frightened or injured animals alone. To report an injured animal, call [phone].

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