Calculating air pollution from wildfires and other events has become more complicated. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more accurate.

After fires destroyed multiple neighborhoods across Los Angeles County, many residents looked up to find blue, smoke-free skies this week. The Air Quality Index (AQI) — which measures the concentration of pollutants in the air — seemed to confirm all was well in the L.

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.

(Reuters) - Air quality in wildfire-stricken Los Angeles improved on Thursday from hazardous peaks hit earlier this month, as tiny soot particles that can penetrate the lungs and brain dropped to moderate levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's latest data.

As the Los Angeles wildfires continue, there are several sites and apps for checking air quality information in your area.

Wear a tight-fitting N95 mask at the bare minimum, but a P100 is better, experts say. Wear long sleeves, eye protection, closed-toed shoes and cut-resistant gloves. Clean or decontaminate anything that’s been in contact with ash.

During the wildfires, several communities throughout LA County experienced poor air quality. Chris Chavez, deputy policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air, says many people are now breathing toxic air.

KCRW and R&S Kayne Foundation Los Angeles held a public information panel and Q&A session regarding immediate and long-term health considerations from the fires. Watch in English or Spanish.