Santa Maria Fire Today: Prescribed Burn Sends Large Smoke Plume Over Tepusquet Canyon

Residents east of Santa Maria, California, saw a large column of smoke on Monday, November 9, 2026, as firefighters continued a planned prescribed burn in Tepusquet Canyon.

The operation was part of Santa Barbara County’s ongoing vegetation-management programme, designed to control non-native grasses, encourage native plant growth and reduce hazardous vegetation that could contribute to future wildfires.

According to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the prescribed burn covered approximately 260 acres of brush and oak understory near Tepusquet Road. The operation was scheduled to run from November 9 through November 13, depending on weather and air-quality conditions.

A report by Noozhawk on Monday afternoon said approximately 100 acres were being burned that day, producing a substantial smoke plume visible from surrounding communities.

The operation was planned and coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department alongside regional air-quality agencies and the California Air Resources Board. Officials monitored weather conditions to help direct smoke away from populated areas.

Authorities advised residents who could see or smell smoke to limit strenuous outdoor activities and remain indoors when necessary. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions were among those advised to take particular care.

Officials stressed that the operation was a controlled prescribed burn rather than an uncontrolled wildfire.

A separate 668-acre prescribed-burn project was also announced near Alamo Creek Road and Highway 166 by CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo. That was a different operation and should not be confused with the Tepusquet Canyon burn.