SLO County warns of smoke, ash impacts to area

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District and the Public Health Department are working together to assess the air quality in the area.

Both agencies are warning the County of ash and smoke affecting the area due to wildfires happening outside the county.

Both the Air District and Public Health are trying to identify any potential health impacts and to inform the community on how to stay safe and healthy.

SLO County says that until the fires are put out, the County should expect skies to be hazy and fine with particulate concentrations, and ozone to be higher than normal.

Due to changing winds, they say it will be difficult to predict which areas of the County may be mostly affected.

Air Pollution District recommends that sensitive groups do the following to maintain their health:

• Head indoors and remain indoors, if possible
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
• Close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent bringing additional smoke inside

To clean up ash on cars, officials recommend to use a damp cloth and spray areas lightly with water. For other kinds of clean up, officials advise to avoid skin contact with ash and to not use a leaf blower.

Due to the pandemic, masks are required to be worn but officials say that a cloth masks will not adequately protect from inhaling wildfire smoke. Due to the shortage of N95 masks, officials advise people to stay inside.

For more information on air quality, click here.