Smoke and ash from an enormous Santa Barbara County wildfire caused potential health problems in three counties Saturday.

Anti-smog agencies said sooty particles from the blaze in Los Padres National Forest could make the air unhealthy for sensitive people at times in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and as far east as the San Gabriel Mountains, more than 50 miles away.

The fire that began on July 4 has burned 171,750 acres of wilderness, or more than 268 square miles. It burned more than 16,300 acres of backcountry overnight but remained well within firebreaks set a mile or more ahead of the flames, fire spokesman Victor Gutierrez said.

The fire was 59 percent contained. Full containment has been predicted for Sept. 7. The fire has cost nearly $79 million to fight since it was ignited by sparks from equipment being used to repair a water pipe.

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