The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and County of Santa Barbara Health Department issued an Air Quality Alert for the Cuyama area and an Air Quality Watch for the rest of Santa Barbara County, to be in effect until conditions improve.
The Gifford Fire burning along Highway 166 between Highway 101 and New Cuyama is producing significant smoke in the Cuyama area. This is a dynamic situation, and local air quality conditions can change quickly. All Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to stay alert to local conditions by visiting www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality or fire.airnow.gov.
Levels of smoke and particles, and areas affected, will vary. If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air…