Note: see links to more current news on this page.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
October 22, 2007

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

APCD Contacts:
Bobbie Bratz, Public Information Officer, 805-455-6403(cell)
Tom Murphy, APCD Division Manager, 805-403-1096

Precautionary Health Advisory for Smoke and Ash

Santa Barbara, CA — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have issued a precautionary advisory for Santa Barbara County communities. Residents in areas of the county that can smell smoke from the Sedgwick Fire or other fires burning in southern California are advised to take precautions by minimizing time outdoors and avoiding prolonged or heavy exertion. These precautions are especially important for people with respiratory and heart conditions.

The air quality conditions over the weekend were caused by high winds that were blowing ash left over from the Zaca Fire as well as smoke from the Sedgwick Fire that is burning north east of Figueroa Mountain.

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. Residents living in areas impacted by fires and high winds are advised to monitor conditions and avoid outdoor activity when the smell of smoke is present. If wind activity increases, there is also the possibility that the ash from fires will again become airborne causing a decrease in air quality.

Dr. Elliot Schulman, County Health Officer, said, “With these fire and wind conditions, it’s especially important for people with asthma or other respiratory diseases or heart conditions to monitor their health and consult with their health care providers if their symptoms worsen.” 

###

Return to News Releases or News & Notices