Direct Relief staff and volunteers will be distributing free N95 particulate respirators to the public from 12 to 3 pm today at two sites: Scolari’s Food Co., 222 North Milpas in Santa Barbara, and Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta.

The protective masks are especially helpful for people who must be outside in the smoke and ash and those with respiratory conditions.

Direct Relief is coordinating emergency response efforts with the Public Health Department during the Jesusita Fire, including this mask distribution.