FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2017
Contact:
Susan Klein-Rothschild, Public Health Deputy Director, (805) 681-5435
Lyz Hoffman, Air Pollution Control District Public Information Officer,
(805) 961-8819
Air Quality Watch Cancelled
for Santa Barbara County
Avoid Stirring Up
Ash — Do Not Use Leaf Blowers
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Today, the Santa
Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air
Pollution Control District cancelled the Air Quality Watch that was in effect
due to impacts from the Thomas Fire. Air quality throughout the county has been
good-to-moderate for several days and the Thomas Fire is nearly fully
contained.
However, the amount of ash that fell throughout the county while
the fire was burning was unprecedented, and dry conditions are expected to
continue for the next several days. Winds can still stir up ash, and over time
those particles may be broken into smaller, more harmful particles and blown
into the air. When ash is stirred up in the air, take precautions to reduce you
and your family’s exposure to the air pollution.
Residents are reminded not to use leaf blowers or perform any
activities that will stir ash and particles into the air, at least until the county
has experienced significant rainfall. If we don’t have a wet winter, and ash is
blown from the fire area into local communities, leaf blowers are not
recommended for ash cleanup. Instead, sweep ash gently with a broom, and take
cars to a car wash. Everyone should avoid skin contact with ash, and no one
with heart or lung conditions should handle ash cleanup.
