Binational fight against poor air quality in Mexicali and Imperial County

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Nationwide efforts are aiming to raise awareness about the impact of poor air quality in Mexicali and the Imperial Valley, especially during the holidays.

The campaign is part of the U.S.-Mexico Binational Task Force. They're urging people to avoid setting off fireworks and lighting bonfires during the holidays.

The campaign says in recent days, unhealthy air quality was reported in Mexicali at least twice, which directly impacts Imperial County.

"It's the no burning of tires, no burning of wood, no burning of fireworks and trash, and we try to do this binationally because what we practice in Mexico, we also practice in the U.S., or from the U.S. we take it to Mexico," said Belén León López, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer.

Imperial County has issued at least 52 sanctions for illegal burnings in 2025.