A screenshot of the AirNow map shows air quality conditions at Santa Barbara County monitoring stations.
A screenshot of the AirNow map shows air quality conditions at Santa Barbara County monitoring stations. Credit: Screenshot via AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

An air quality watch is in effect for Santa Barbara County this week due to smoke impacts from the two fires burning along the Big Sur coast. 

The Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire are active wildfires that have burned a combined 40,448 acres as of midday Monday. Smoke from those Monterey County blazes has blown south, affecting communities in Santa Barbara County, according to the Air Pollution Control District (APCD). 

District officials said Monday that the air quality watch will be in effect “until conditions improve,” and the yellow/moderate particulate matter readings are forecasted to last at least through Wednesday. 

The district recommends that people unusually sensitive to particle pollution consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outside, and to watch for coughing or shortness of breath as “signs to take it easier.” 

Smoke levels are more elevated in North County communities, APCD officials said. 

A helicopter makes a water drop on the Timber Fire burning in Big Sur.
A helicopter makes a water drop on the Timber Fire burning in Big Sur. Credit: U.S. Forest Service photo

Conditions can change quickly, and residents can check conditions at the APCD website and the EPA’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

The AirNow map has neighborhood-level readings. APCD has installed 27 PurpleAir sensors in Santa Barbara and Goleta that show up on that AirNow map, and another nine in Carpinteria.

If air quality reaches unhealthy/orange levels, and/or if residents see or smell smoke, the APCD recommends the following for everyone:

  • Head indoors and remain indoors as much as possible
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent bringing additional smoke inside
  • When driving, use “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the car
  • Drink plenty of fluids to keep respiratory membranes moist
  • If you are an essential worker and must work outside during wildfire smoke conditions, the use of a properly fitted N-95 mask provides protection

“The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is present,” APCD spokesperson Lyz Hoffman said. 

Caltrans District 5 closed two sections of Highway 1 in Big Sur due to the Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire.
Caltrans District 5 closed two sections of Highway 1 in Big Sur due to the Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire. Credit: Caltrans District 5 photo

The Timber Fire that started Aug. 8 has now burned 24,970 acres, according to Los Padres National Forest officials. It was 21% contained as of Monday afternoon. 

The Plaskett Fire, burning south of the Timber Fire, has burned 15,000 acres since starting Aug. 3. It had no perimeter containment as of Monday. 

The U.S. Forest Service has jurisdiction over both blazes.

Caltrans has closed two sections of Highway 1 in the Big Sur area for firefighting operations, with no through traffic. 

Noozhawk executive editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.