Prepare for Wildfire Smoke by Creating a Clean Air Room - Santa Barbara Edhat Prepare for Wildfire Smoke by Creating a Clean Air Room - Santa Barbara Edhat Posted: 28 Sep 2019 01:24 PM PDT Source: Air Pollution Control District In recognition of September as National Preparedness Month, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department encourage Santa Barbara County residents to plan for poor air quality conditions caused by future wildfire smoke. The smoke and ash from wildfires is made up of very small particles known as particulate matter, or PM. These particles can harm respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions are especially sensitive. When smoke is present, it is important for everyone to avoid outdoor activities – making indoor air quality that much more important. Those who are unable to keep thei...