TEPUSQUET CANYON / SANTA MARIA VALLEY — October 26, 2026. Residents of northern Santa Barbara County may notice controlled smoke later this fall from a planned prescribed fire in Tepusquet Canyon near Tepusquet Road, east of Santa Maria. Santa Barbara County Fire Department has identified a tentative 289-acre treatment area of brush and oak understory.

When will burning happen?

Fire managers describe a two-day operation planned for late October or early November, but no fixed ignition date was guaranteed in their October 20 release. Burning depends on winds, humidity and air-quality conditions that allow smoke to disperse away from major population centers. The Air Pollution Control District reviewed the Smoke Management Plan and placed conditions on implementation.

Smoke precautions for the surrounding rural communities

The county says people who can smell smoke should reduce strenuous outdoor activity, especially children, older residents and people with heart or lung conditions. If possible, keep windows closed during heavy smoke and follow official advisories. A planned prescribed burn is not evidence of an uncontrolled wildfire today; however, visible smoke from an unexpected location should always be assessed using current emergency information.

Motorists in canyon roads should use caution near firefighting vehicles, temporary controls and areas with reduced visibility. The schedule may change without the timing originally advertised.

For current planned and active treatments, visit the district’s Prescribed Burns Map. Official sources: Santa Barbara County Fire, October 20 and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. This is a rural county story, not a report that the burn is inside downtown Santa Maria.

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