Note: A smoke health advisory was issued August 3. See this page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
July 13, 2007

Public Health Contacts:
Michele Mickiewicz, Public Information Officer, 805-681-5446 or 805-451-3497 (cell) Elliot Schulman, MD, Public Health Department Director, County Health Officer, 805-681-5105

APCD Contacts:
Terry Dressler, APCD Director. 805-961-8857
Tom Murphy, Division Manager, 805-403-1096 (cell)

Precautionary Smoke Advisory for Areas Impacted by the Zaca Fire

SANTA BARBARA, CA — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) today issued a joint precautionary smoke advisory for people living in areas affected by smoke from the Zaca Fire.

Said Air Pollution Control Officer Terry Dressler, "Variable weather conditions today and over the weekend will affect how much smoke is in the air and where the smoke is located. The APCD recommends that residents in areas affected by smoke take appropriate actions to reduce their exposure.”

If you smell smoke, 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 limit prolonged or heavy exertion. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to excess smoke exposure, 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.

Dr. Elliot Schulman, County Health Officer, said, “Smoke irritates the eyes, nose and throat. Because of this, people living in areas affected by heavy smoke should minimize their exposure by limiting sports and other outdoor activities. People with asthma or other respiratory diseases should contact their health care providers if their symptoms worsen.”

Due to recent changes in weather conditions, and burning operations undertaken by the fire agencies to control the fire, the possibility for smoke exposure has increased, mainly in the late afternoon and evening hours. This precautionary advisory is in effect indefinitely and may be revised as conditions warrant. See this page for additional information, and check this website for updates on smoke advisories, and links to additional information on the fire incident.

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