COUNTYWIDE : Controlled Burns Prompt Inquiries
More than 50 controlled burns took place throughout Ventura County on Wednesday, sending smoke through the air and prompting residents to wonder if there was a brush fire.
About 200 people called the County Government Center to ask what was on fire, said Larry Scott, an inspector with the Air Pollution Control District.
The agricultural burns are used to dispose of such things as tumbleweeds and old trees that have been cut down to make room for new crops and can take place only on days forecast for certain weather conditions that help disperse smoke and ash, Scott said.
However, contrary to the forecast, Wednesday turned out to be a poor day for burning, said Herm Ragsdale, an air quality specialist with the district.
An air mass held pollutants near ground level rather than letting them escape, Ragsdale said.
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