The Santa Barbara County Fire Department plans to conduct a prescribed burn at the Sedgwick Reserve in the Santa Ynez Valley later this week, depending on conditions.

Prescribed fires, which typically burn less intensely than wildfires, help prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation, according to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD).

The burn is being conducted to reduce fuels and for research purposes. About 55 acres of grass and sage scrub will be burned.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) staff review the Smoke Management Plan and provide conditions to minimize smoke impacts in Santa Barbara County.

The burn will occur when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.

This week’s prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Santa Barbara County APCD, San Luis Obispo County APCD, San Joaquin Valley APCD, Ventura County APCD, and the California Air Resources Board to minimize impacts on air quality on surrounding communities.

The burn is dependent on weather and air-quality conditions that are favorable to smoke dispersion. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled.

Due to changing winds and weather conditions, it is difficult to predict which areas of the county, if any, may be most affected by smoke from the burn, the APCD said.

When you can see or smell smoke in your area, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors as much as possible, the APCD advises. 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 while driving near prescribed fire operations.

For more about the county’s air quality, visit www.OurAir.org.