FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                
November 14, 2008

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, 805-403-1096 (cell)

Air Quality Warning Issued for Santa Barbara and Montecito
Smoke from Tea Fire; Warning in Effect through the Weekend

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 and Montecito to be in effect through the weekend.  Air quality is poor in some areas due to smoke from the Tea Fire.  

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 high concentrations of dust and particles are in the air. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to 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 this page on this site, and for recorded advisory updates, call 805-961-8802.    

An Air Quality Warning is issued when there is poor air quality in some areas of the county.  

Return to News Releases or News & Notices