Respirator masks available

Direct Relief International will be distributing respirator masks to the public from noon to 3pm today at the following locations:

• Loreto Plaza (State and Las Positas) - Google map
• Lazy Acres on the Mesa (302 Meigs Road near Cliff Drive) - Google Map

See more about their response here.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Tuesday issued an air quality warning for the Santa Barbara areas east of Highway 154.

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 smoke is in the area. If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that may be related to exposure to smoke and 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.

Levels of smoke and particles will depend on changes in winds, and the movement of the fire. Residents are also cautioned to avoid stirring up soot particles during cleanup and especially to avoid using leaf blowers.