Thomas Fire: Air Quality

Smoke and ash from the Thomas Fire are affecting local air quality, and conditions may continue over the next several days. Note: The powerful air filtration system at the hospital is keeping the facility particulate-free (although it may still smell of smoke).

Be cautious and use common sense to protect your and 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 smoke and particles are in the air. Keep windows closed and avoid using your fireplace.

Here are some tips from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District who state that #airquality has reached the Unhealthy level in Goleta and Santa Barbara, and in some parts is at a Hazardous level due to smoke impacts:
• When wildfire smoke is impacting your neighborhood, consider purchasing an air-filtering device, which can help remove ash, soot, and dust.
• Select a device with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Keep the device in one room that could serve as a “clean air room” — the packaging on most devices notes the suitable room size.
• Keep windows closed and avoid using your fireplace.
• If you are sensitive to air pollution, and air quality is poor in your area to the extent that you are unable to keep indoor air clean, consider relocating to an area where the air is cleaner.

For current air quality conditions, visit: https://www.ourair.org/todays-air-quality/