Harmful Air Quality Brought by Thomas Fire Could Last ‘Weeks to Months’

It’s a catch-22: Air-cleaning winds would make firefight more difficult.

By Indy Staff December 13, 2017

3 min read

Harmful Air Quality Brought by Thomas Fire Could Last ‘Weeks to Months’ — Maria Reyes (left) and Soledad Pulido picked up some N95 masks at the Franklin Community Center, made available by the Santa Barbara County Medical Reserve Corps and Direct Relief, on December 8, 2017.

Health experts warn that the microscopic particles in the air generated by the Thomas Fire could linger for weeks — if not longer.

Air-quality readings in Santa Barbara have been worse than they have been in nearly 20 years. For several hours last Thursday, the Air Pollution Control District recorded “hazardous” levels in the City of Santa Barbara. In the days since, the readings were determined to be “unhealthy."

The South Coast's air quality index (AQI) as of December 13 at 3 p.m.

Ash has coated cars and sidewalks. Large white pieces have blanketed Santa Barbara, and brownish-red smoke has hung in the air, giving the South Coast region a sepia tone. Schools and businesses closed, the streets emptied. Most pedestrians walking around downtown sported protective masks, some fastening them on their dogs, too.