Planned burn at Painted Cave scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Around seven acres of brush will be burned as part of a planned burn project near Painted Cave Road on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District.

The burns will occur on Painted Cave Road off of Highway 154 in the southern region of Santa Barbara County, said Lyz Bantilan, spokeswoman for the Air Pollution Control District.

The purpose of the planned burn is to help prevent the spread of wildfires and reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss, Bantilan said.

The burns will occur if weather conditions permit.

If residents smell smoke during the burns, the Air Pollution Control District advises people to take precautions and "use common sense" to reduce any harmful effects by limiting the time spent outdiirs.

If someone smells smoke or smoke is visible in their area, they are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay inside as much as possible.

"These precautions are especially important to children, older adults, and those with heart and lung conditions," Bantilan said.

"If you are sensitive to smoke, consider temporarily relocating and closing all doors and windows on the day of the burn."