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Note: A smoke health advisory was issued August 3. See this page. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Public Health Contacts: APCD Contacts: Update on Precautionary Smoke Advisory for Areas Impacted by the Zaca FireSANTA BARBARA, CA — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) today reiterated a precautionary smoke advisory for people in areas affected by smoke from the Zaca Fire. The agencies noted that variable weather conditions and the eastward movement of the Zaca fire will likely change the areas of our community that are affected by smoke. Said Air Pollution Control Officer Terry Dressler, "Many variables will determine 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.” With changing wind patterns, the extent of the fire, and burning operations undertaken by the fire agencies to control the fire, the possibility for smoke exposure is likely to change over the course of the fire. 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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