This advisory was cancelled on June 22, 2016. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2016
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en español (PDF)

Contact:
Ellen Willis-Conger, Public Health Assistant Deputy Director, (805) 705-7615
Lyz Hoffman, District Public Information Officer, (805) 961-8819

Air Quality Warning Issued for Southern Santa Barbara County
Smoke from Sherpa Fire Impacting Some Areas

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Today, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Warning for the southern areas of Santa Barbara County. The warning will remain in effect through the weekend unless conditions change.

Smoke from the Sherpa Fire is impacting local air quality. Levels of smoke and particles, and areas impacted, will vary depending on winds and on the containment of the fire. Some smoke is blowing offshore and may come onshore if conditions change. Other areas of Santa Barbara County could be affected depending on winds.

If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air.

If you have symptoms that may be related to exposure to smoke and soot, contact your health care provider. Symptoms include repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, and nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.

Hot weather is expected for the next several days. Use your best judgment when it comes to keeping your home cool when there is smoke in your area. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot. If you have an air conditioner, run it with the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean. If you have a whole house fan, turn it off unless it is extremely hot. If smoke is not present where you live, take the opportunity to air out your home.

Find more information on Smoke and Health. Check www.twitter.com/OurAirAdvisory for updates.
For recorded advisory updates, call (805) 961-8802.     

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