To help the public avoid the harmful effects of inhaling smoke and ash from the Gap Fire—a key concern as the burned area rose to more than 9,500 acres—Direct Relief staff and volunteers handed out the NIOSH N-95 particulate respirators at Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace from 12 to 3 pm on the second distribution day.

The easy-to-wear masks are recommended by California public health officials to protect against respiratory problems caused by wildfire smoke and ash, and are particularly important for persons with respiratory conditions, including asthma.

More than 1,200 firefighters from around the state are battling the blaze, which has been burning since the evening of July 1 and is 35 percent contained. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited the area on Saturday to assess the situation, which he placed under a state of emergency on July 3. Working with local authorities from the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta, Direct Relief immediately tapped its inventory of masks in response to the fire, whose flames and smoke were clearly visible from its headquarters.

Direct Relief has purchased 10,000 more masks to replenish inventory and have ready if needed. According to today’s reports, evacuation orders in much of the Goleta Valley have been lifted as the fire burns north and west, away from more heavily populated areas.

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The masks protect against breathing fine particulate matter in the fire’s ash that can cause respiratory problems. They are recommended by the California Department of Public Health to help protect lungs from wildfire smoke.

Direct Relief staff and volunteers manned two sites in Goleta—the Camino Real Marketplace and the Goleta Community Center—from 10 am to 3 pm, which were visited by an estimated 2,000 people. These sites also featured information kiosks about the fire.

Direct Relief International will continue this effort tomorrow, July 5, from 12 to 3 pm at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta. Local residents who were unable to pick up a free N-95 particulate mask today may obtain them for their family and neighbors tomorrow to help protect them from the effects of the fire.

In addition to establishing distribution sites, Direct Relief staff also hand-delivered masks to several locations:

• The City of Goleta
• UCSB Sports Camp
• Devereux Foundation California
• Friendship Manor
• Elks Club
• Red Cross shelter at San Marcos High School
• The County Public Health Department

Direct Relief is coordinating with Santa Barbara County Health and Emergency Services officials to ensure that our efforts benefit those affected by the Gap Fire. Those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma are encouraged to get a free mask.

N-95 masks are simple devices to guard against respiratory complications caused by inhaling fine particulate matter, including that caused by fire. Such masks were in high demand following last year’s Southern California wildfires that swept through San Diego County, where Direct Relief furnished over 80,000 masks in response to local health officials’ and nonprofit clinics’ requests.

Today’s distribution was sourced from existing inventory received last year by CVS. Direct Relief has purchased an additional 10,000 masks that will arrive Monday. The new masks will be available for additional distribution if needed.

According to a briefing Direct Relief officers attended with fire officials, the Gap Fire has consumed 6,000 acres with no containment yet. As of 2 pm today, 1,600 homes have been placed under evacuation order.

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CEO Thomas Tighe has reached out to the City of Goleta and emergency responders to offer Direct Relief’s resources, including protective N95 masks. On July 4, Direct Relief staff will man two sites in Goleta (to be announced) from 10 am to 3 pm to distribute masks to the public.

Smoke from the fire is the primary health concern. Direct Relief has distributed the N95 protective masks from its inventory to its partners Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and Casa Esperanza, as well as firefighters and sheriffs working to battle the blaze and protect residents. Direct Relief staff is in frequent contact with Santa Barbara County Emergency Services officials to help identify needs as the fire swelled to 2,500 acres and a local state of emergency was declared.

Direct Relief is working to secure donations of more masks and other medical supplies for treating smoke-related health issues, including eyewash and inhalers for asthma sufferers. Direct Relief has also offered to help transport evacuees to the Red Cross shelter at San Marcos High School, should local agencies need assistance.

As evacuation warnings expanded across Cathedral Oaks Road at Glen Annie Road, residents should register for Reverse 911 evacuation calls at the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department website. For frequent fire updates, visit the InciWeb and for updates on evacuation orders, closures, and other news, see the County of Santa Barbara.

Those wishing to support Direct Relief’s Gap Fire response may direct contributions to the Southern California Fires fund established in 2007.

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The Gap Fire has prompted mandatory evacuations in Glen Annie and La Patera Canyons.  Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents above Cathedral Oaks Road, between Glen Annie Road and Fairview Avenue. Reports indicate that the fire has burned more than 100 acres, though no structures have been affected. Fire officials report that more than 225 firefighters are battling the blaze, and additional support is arriving today.

Direct Relief has standing agreements with the County of Santa Barbara to provide support services in the event of emergencies, and recently worked with local fundraising teams to purchase a new fire truck suitable for fighting fires in tough-to-access terrain.

For more information about the fire and fire safety, please visit the County of Santa Barbara or the U.S. Forest Service’s InciWeb.

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