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,

Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted Tuesday and roared across the Los Angeles area.

Millions woke up to hazy skies and poor air quality Wednesday morning as crews continued to fight the Palisades Fire in western Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst/Sylmar Fire near Santa Clarita.