Some 30 piles of cut vegetation will be burned as part of the Twin Ridge pile burns in the Eastern Goleta Valley foothills, March 24-April 4, depending on conditions, the county Air Pollution Control District (APCD) reports.

Burning is not expected every day during this two-week period, the APCD said.

“Prescribed burns can help prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation,” according to the APCD. “The burn will be conducted when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.”

To minimize impacts on air quality on surrounding communities, the prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department with the APCDs of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, San Joaquin Valley and Ventura County, and the California Air Resources Board

Community members are advised that when you can see or smell smoke 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, the APCD said.