Santa Barbara, SLO County residents awaken to ash in the air
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - For Jose Ward, father of a one-year-old, it was not a fun morning. "So I woke up this morning with my car filled with ashes all over it and I couldn’t see nothing and I had to wet it down with the hose and I still got a shower all over my car."
Same goes for Aja Oliveira, "I came out of the car and just was surprised ... of course I just washed my car the day before."
Several wildfires burning across California are affecting air quality here on Central Coast causing ash and smoke to cover the area.
“We’re definitely getting impact from the smoke that’s occurring from the wildfires throughout the state. Until Those wildfires are under control will likely continue the to be impacted by air quality,” said Aeron Arlin Genet with the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
Santa Barbara County is seeing moderate levels of air pollution right now.
San Luis Obispo county is experiencing similar conditions.
“And wind conditions and meteorology cool conditions are just forcing the ash from those fires into our county,” said Meghan Field with the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District.
As the fires continue many are trying to clean up the ash that collected overnight and throughout the day.
"I left my window cracked open for just a little bit for ventilation ... and I got all kinds of like Ash ... you see it all came in my car," said Ward.
If you smell smoke or see ash, air specialists say use common sense to reduce your exposure.
“Close your doors close your windows and have an indoor air purifier to keep your indoor air quality as clean as possible,” said Genet.
