Poor air quality affecting San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara counties

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Drifting smoke from Northern California wildfires is affecting air quality in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District and Public Health Department are working to assess the air quality and identify any potential health impacts.

Skies in SLO County are expected to be hazy and fine particulate concentrations will be higher than normal due to smoke from the dozens of fires raging in Northern California.

Changing winds can present issues for predicting which areas of the county will be most affected, county officials said.

Residents in San Luis Obispo County can visit SLOCleanAir.org for the latest air quality conditions and to sign up for air quality alerts.

In Santa Barbara County, the Air Pollution Control District said air quality is expected to fall in the "moderate" range, meaning some people who may be sensitive to particle pollution could be affected.

For the latest air quality conditions in Santa Barbara County, click here.

The Environmental Protection Agency also has a fire map that displays air quality.

When air quality worsens due to particulate pollution, particularly vulnerable people should avoid physical activities outside and stay indoors if possible. Closing windows and doors can also prevent bringing smoke into homes.