The Federal Election Commission was forced to cancel a regional conference in San Diego this week because of the raging wildfires in San Diego County. [IMGCAP(1)]

“Due to extremely poor air quality” from the “intense smoke” of the fires, the FEC nixed the two-day conference at the Hyatt Regency Islandia.

The sold-out conference was intended to explain the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 as it relates to House and Senate campaigns, political parties, and corporate, labor and trade political action committees.

The FEC apologized in a press release for any inconvenience and urged those who planned to attend the session to contact the FEC’s information division at (800) 424-9530 (press 1, then 3) or (202) 694-1100 after the emergency has ended.

American Dreams. The Mortgage Bankers Association will host an informational session Friday for staffers on the ins and outs of buying a home.

The event — which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 2168 of the Rayburn House Office Building — will feature Marvin Adams of HomeFree USA and Malcolm Hollensteiner of National City Mortgage Co., among others.

Lunch will be provided.

— Amy Keller and Bree Hocking