July 24, 2008: this advisory is no longer in effect. See this page for ash clean up tips.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
July 14, 2008

APCD Contact:
Bobbie Bratz, Public Information Officer, 805-961-8890

Public Health Contact: Susan Klein-Rothschild, 805-681-5435

Precautionary Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for Goleta Only

Precaution No Longer in Effect Countywide;  Residents Urged Not to Use Leaf Blowers for Ash Clean Up

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District today announced the precautionary Air Quality Advisory will continue to be in effect for the Goleta area, but will be lifted for the rest of the county. Particle pollution levels in the Goleta area are likely to trend higher than those in the rest of the county, where air quality has improved overall. The advisory for the Goleta area is still considered precautionary at this time.

As ash is re-deposited, and stirred back up into the air there may be some isolated areas with higher particle levels. When cleaning up ash or soot, residents are urged not to use leaf blowers, or do anything that stirs particles up into the air. Residents who use gardening services should ask their services not to use leaf blowers. In addition, when spraying areas with water, it is best to divert the water to lawn or garden areas so that ash-filled water does not flow into runoff systems and the creeks.

If smoke or ash are 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 and ash are in the air. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke or ash 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.

For more information, see smoke page, and today's air quality page. Also see Santa Barbara County website  and InciWeb Incident Information System for information on the Gap Fire. For recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802.

###

Return to News Releases or News & Notices