Photo courtesy of Scott Millard

The Lookout Fire that broke out this morning on Highway 154 is now 45%. Fire crews continue to battle the blaze. The mandatory evacuation for homes in the Painted Cave area remains in effect, and an evacuation center has been set up by the Santa Barbara Red Cross at the Wake Center at 200 North Turnpike Road in Goleta, and a large animal evacuation center has been set up at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
The fire has also prompted the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District to issue an Air Quality Watch for Southern and Central Santa Barbara County, which will be in effect until Thursday morning. Air quality may be poor in some areas due to smoke and ash. They advise that if you see or smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family's health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung diseases (including asthma), older adults and children should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of dust and particles are in the air. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to particles including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpatations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.