Gifford Fire Response: N95 Respirators Available in Santa Barbara County

In response to the Gifford Fire, Direct Relief is distributing free N95 respirators to people experiencing poor air quality as a result of the fire.

The Gifford Fire, which broke out on August 1 in northern Santa Barbara County, was the largest fire burning in California as of Thursday, when acres burned neared 100,000. The fire is currently about 15 percent contained and is impacting rural areas of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

Direct Relief is based in Santa Barbara County, and has extensive experience responding to wildfires across the state. This week, the organization provided free respirators to residents at multiple locations throughout the county and will continue to respond as air quality needs continue.

Below are mask distribution sites in Santa Barbara County where masks can be accessed, while supplies last:

Direct Relief Headquarters
Location: Direct Relief Lobby
Address: 6100 Wallace Becknell Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Santa Barbara Public Library - Montecito Branch
Address: 1469 East Valley Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara Public Library - Eastside Branch
Address: 1102 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara Public Library - Central Library
Address: 40 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Buellton Visitors Bureau & Chamber of Commerce
Address: 597 Ave of Flags Suite 101, Buellton, CA 93427
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-2:00PM

Community Health Centers-Del Valle
Address: 430 S Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93458
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM