APCD
Update by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
SBC is conducting a state-approved vegetation management burn of approximately 240 acres over a 2-3 day period in the Santa Ynez Valley. The burn is a strategic fuel reduction with the goal of removing dead fuels that will help prevent the uncontrolled spread of future wildfire.
Photo: Mike Eliason/SBCFD
Source: Air Pollution Control District
WHAT: State-approved Vegetation Management Program burn of approximately 240 acres of chaparral, sage scrub, and Oak Woodland with grass understory.
WHEN: November 18-20, depending on conditions. This burn will occur over 2-3 days. Burning operations may or may not occur on consecutive days, depending on conditions. If burning does not occur on consecutive days, an additional day-before media advisory will be distributed. Burning operations will occur on permissive burn days.
WHERE: Spaulding/Midland area, approximately 3 miles north of Los Olivos.
WHY: This burn is aimed at strategic vegetation fuel reduction and ecological restoration, with the goal of removing significant dead and down fuel loads adjacent to identified wildland/urban interface areas of concern. Prescribed burns can help prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation. The burn will be conducted when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.
WHO: This prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department with Santa Barbara County APCD, San Luis Obispo County APCD, San Joaquin Valley APCD, Ventura County APCD, and the California Air Resources Board in order to minimize impacts on air quality on surrounding communities.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: If you smell smoke, take precautions and use common sense to reduce any harmful health effects by limiting outdoor activities. When you can smell smoke or when it is visible in your area, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors as much as possible. These precautions are especially important to children, older adults, and those with heart and lung conditions. If you are sensitive to smoke, consider temporarily relocating and closing all doors and windows on the day of the burn. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, nausea, and unusual fatigue or lightheadedness. Use caution when driving near prescribed burns.
A portable air monitor will be set up nearby to monitor air quality conditions.
This burn depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled.
To view a statewide prescribed burn map and other features, visit the Prescribed Fire Information Reporting System (PFIRS) website: https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/pfirs/firm/firm.php
