Health officials have handed out more than 200,000 free N-95 face masks over the past week to guard against the toxic cloud of smoke in the air thrown up by the raging Thomas Fire, which is burning in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Still, some people insist on folding a scarf, wearing a dust or surgical mask or even holding their hand over the mouths. Those methods, however, are useless for the most part.

“Dust masks and surgical masks aren’t effective at filtering out the particles,” said Lyz Hoffman, spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. “Holding scarves over one’s face isn’t effective either. N-95 masks are the way to go. They offer some protection if fitted properly.”

Click here to check air quality conditions in Santa Barbara County.

The smoke conditions appear to be the worst in Santa Barbara County history, with hazardous, very unhealthy, and unhealthy conditions recorded in Santa Barbara since Wednesday, with hazardous being the most severe level.

To read more of Joshua Molina's article, please click here.