Air Quality Watch in Santa Barbara County canceled

On Friday, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution District canceled the Air Quality Watch that had been largely in place since the early days of the Thomas Fire.

“Air quality throughout the county has been good-to-moderate for several days and the Thomas Fire is nearly fully contained,” stated a news release by the two agencies.

Officials warn about the possibility of winds stirring up ash as dry weather conditions are expected for the next several days

“Over time, those particles may be broken into smaller, more harmful particles and blown into the air,” stated the news release. “When ash is stirred up in the air, take precautions to reduce you and your family’s exposure to the air pollution.

Officials remind the community not to use leaf blowers or do anything that will stir up ash until the county has experienced significant rainfall. If ash needs to be cleaned, sweeping gently with a broom and taking cars to a car wash are recommended.

Everyone should avoid skin contact with ash and no one with heart or lung conditions should handle ash cleanup.

For updated air quality conditions, visit https://www.ourair.org.