Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is excited to announce that the 2025 Clean Air Grant program application window is open. Applications will be accepted starting today, Monday, July 28, through Friday, September 5. Approximately $3.5 million is available for voluntary Clean Air Grant projects this year.

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and County of Santa Barbara Health Department have upgraded the Air Quality Watch to an Alert for the Cuyama area, which is in closest proximity to the Madre Fire. Smoke and ash from the Madre Fire is affecting air quality. Conditions can change quickly, and an Air Quality Watch remains in effect for the rest of the county.

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and County of Santa Barbara Health Department issued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara County to be in effect until conditions improve. The Madre Fire burning along Highway 166 between Highway 101 and New Cuyama is producing significant smoke; currently, ground-level conditions are good to moderate countywide.

The Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Ventura County Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD) encourage residents to prepare for potential poor air quality caused by smoke, now that the area has entered peak wildfire season.

Smoke and ash from wildfires contain very small particles known as particulate matter that can travel hundreds of miles. These particles harm the lungs and heart and can cause coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty, chest pain, nausea and, in severe instances, premature mortality. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, kids, and pregnant women are especially sensitive.

The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is present. Take these steps to stay safe.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is excited to announce a free electric off-road and landscape equipment demonstration:

WHEN: Wednesday, July 9, 10AM to 1PM
WHERE: Allan Hancock College – South Campus Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Track,  1300 South College Drive, Santa Maria

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is announcing its newly upgraded Permitted Facilities Map, which serves as an easy-to-use tool for the public to find and view records for all of the stationary sources of air pollution permitted by APCD. The map offers a full suite of unique and innovative features.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025 En Español  Contacts: Lyz Bantilan, APCD Public Information Officer 805-979-8283   See news release issued by the Santa Barbara County Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2025 En Español Contact: Lyz Bantilan, Public Information Officer, Santa Barbara County APCD: (805) 979-8283 Santa Barbara County Air Pollution