Press Releases

2024 Press Releases

6-21-24: Camp SLO Fire Hazard Reduction Burn on June 24, 2024

The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (SLO County APCD) is issuing this press release to provide the public with information in preparation for a prescribed burn on Camp San Luis Obispo property, located on the north side of Highway 1, due north of the California Men’s Colony property. The proposed 230-acre burn is set to occur June 24, 2024, however, depending on the meteorological conditions, the burn could be rescheduled.

This burn is an interagency operation hosted by Camp San Luis Obispo (Camp Roberts Fire Department) with support from CAL FIRE and SLO City Fire. Prescribed burning is an important tool used to minimize fire hazards and the likelihood of uncontrolled future wildfires that would have the potential to induce significant air quality impacts on the local community.

Smoke will be present in nearby communities on the day of the prescribed burns. The SLO County APCD will be working collaboratively with all involved agencies to ensure up-to-date air quality information is provided to the public.

Children, the elderly, and those that already have a respiratory condition are the most susceptible to the health impacts of smoke and should use caution if they smell smoke.

The burn is dependent on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn may be rescheduled, or pushed later in the burn window next week.

SLO County APCD will continue to closely monitor air pollution levels throughout the region. Visit the APCD website slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php to see current air quality conditions and forecasts for SLO County. Sign up to receive air quality text messages through our AirAware text notification system at https://www.slocleanair.org/air-quality-alerts.php. You can also reach the Camp SLO Public Information Officer Keba Baird at 805-610-6742 with any questions or concerns.

4-24-24: SLO County APCD Countywide Clean Air Rooms Program

The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (SLO County APCD) is announcing the 2024 Clean Air Rooms Program. This program will provide approximately 390 high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers on a first-come, first-served basis to income-eligible residents across San Luis Obispo County.

Over the past several years, SLO County residents have seen increased exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter from blowing dust. These fine particles can affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems and are especially harmful to people with pre-existing conditions, young children, elderly and pregnant women. During a wildfire event or blowing dust event, the best protection for your health is to stay indoors as much as possible and when smoke is present – the need to keep indoor air clean is especially important. In a well-sealed indoor environment, HEPA devices can reduce particulate matter by more than 90%.

The SLO County APCD is excited for the opportunity to serve the community with this program and reduce potential health effects from harmful exposure to particulate matter.

To qualify, residents must complete an online application and provide the following:

Documents showing proof of residency in SLO County (utility bill, driver’s license, other official mail). Please note - only one device will be given out per address.
Income-eligibility documents. This can be done by numerous methods and a complete list is available on the SLO County APCD website.

Applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and following application approval, they should receive their air purifier right to their home within 30 days.

If you are unable to access a computer or mobile device to complete the application, you may visit the SLO County APCD office at 3433 Roberto Court for assistance. Additionally, the website to complete the application can also be accessed by local libraries across SLO County.

Want more information on the Clean Air Room Pilot Program and see if you are eligible? Visit the APCD website SLOCleanAir.org/community/clean-air-rooms.php. To see current air quality conditions and forecasts for SLO County or your neighborhood, visit us at SLOCleanAir.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!