Officials issue first ‘Smog Red’ alert
Sept. 30, 1955: Los Angeles experienced its first “Smog Red” alert after the ozone count in Pasadena rose from 0.56 parts of ozone per million parts of air to 0.65, The Times reported.
The count was the “highest ever recorded there,” The Times said. “Under Smog Red conditions, all open burning is banned and industry and the public are urged to curtail the use of cars and trucks,” the newspaper said.
City officials worked hard to get at all causes of the growing smog problem -- including incinerators. Hollywood studios also agreed to help out by turning off smoke machines, used in battle and fire scenes, on bad days.
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