Wildfires can occur throughout the year in Southern California. During regional wildfire events, UCLA’s Industrial Hygiene (IH) team continuously monitors outdoor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and provides guidance on safe indoor spaces, filtration strategies, and protective measures for our campus community. To support real‑time decision‑making, our team also oversees seven air‑quality sensors positioned across campus. These sensors help us track local conditions and better understand how wildfire smoke behaves in our specific environment.
Why Does UCLA Have Air‑Quality Sensors?
UCLA is located at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, where coastal breezes, canyon wind patterns, and the alluvial terrain of the Los Angeles Basin create a unique microenvironment. These local factors can cause air quality on campus to differ from regional readings. By maintaining our own sensor network, we can provide more accurate, localized information to help protect the health and comfort of students, staff, and visitors.
