Two fires along the Big Sur coast continue to burn, bringing smoke to and affecting air quality in San Luis Obispo.
Located 70 miles north of San Luis Obispo, the Plaskett Fire began on Aug. 26. The fire is currently 1% contained and affecting 29,123 acres of land, according to InciWeb fire reports. The source of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
Austin Gonzagowski, California Incident Management Team 7 public information officer, is on the team in command of the Plaskett Fire.Â
“We have received favorable weather over the last several operational periods that has been really beneficial towards our suppression efforts,” Gonzagowski said.
San Luis Obispo County has a forecasted moderate air quality index over the next week, due to the smoke from the fires, according to the Air Pollution Control District of SLO County.
“The smoke impact is heavily dependent on the weather,” Gonzagowski said. “As temperatures rise, and if we get direct sun on the fire, it has an impact on how it burns and how that fire ends up consuming these fuels is ultimately how much smoke is produced.”
Graphic communications sophomore Maisen Fletcher noted has affected her living space.
“My Woozoo [fan] is bringing it into my apartment, so I have to turn it off because it makes my air not so fresh,” Fletcher said.
Gonzagowski recommended sensitive groups to pay attention to the air quality index, and be aware of the potential hazards by checking online updates and information at airnow.gov.
Environmental engineering freshman Nicole Carlos has noticed a difference in the air quality over the past few days.
“Walking to classes sometimes, the air feels thicker than usual, but I also feel like that’s also a negative of the heat,” Carlos said.
Currently, parts of northern San Luis Obispo County have evacuation warnings. Residents in these areas have no immediate threat but should be prepared to move immediately if an evacuation order is issued, according to ReadySLO.