Air QualityWarning 5-5-09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2009

Public Health Contact:
Michele Mickiewicz, Public Information Officer, 805-681-5446. 805-451-3497 (cell)

Air Pollution Control District Contact:
Tom Murphy, Technology and Environmental Assessment Division Manager, 805-961-8857 or 805-403-1096 (cell)

Air Quality Warning Issued for Santa Barbara - Area East of Highway 154

Smoke from Jesusita Fire near Tunnel Road; High Winds

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District today issued an Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara areas east of Highway 154. Air quality is already poor in some parts due to smoke from the Jesusita fire above Foothill Road between Tunnel Road and San Roque Road.

If you see or smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect 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 smoke is in the area. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke and particles, including repeated coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness, contact your health care provider.

Levels of smoke and particles will depend on changes in winds, and the movement of the fire. This Air Quality Warning will be updated on May 6.

See this page for more information. For recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802

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