“We had deputies who upon coming into the court started to have headaches, eye irritation and other symptoms of being in an unhealthy environment.”

If irritation occurs, she advises using artificial tears like Refresh or Systane, which can be bought over the counter and used multiple times a day.

Hospitals across the county said their emergency rooms had treated patients for burns, smoke inhalation and eye irritation.

In Santa Monica, doctors at the emergency department at Providence Saint John’s Health Center treated patients suffering from smoke inhalation, eye irritation and minor burns.

Things are orderly – there are three clear lines, one for cars and two for bajajis – but the irritation is palpable.