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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -May 1, 2000
00-072
Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610
YAKIMA - Outdoor burning of yard waste and natural vegetation will be allowed on May 13, 14, 20 and 21 this spring in the greater-Wenatchee area.
In all, seven days have been designated this year for outdoor burning in the areas surrounding Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Rock Island as well as inside the cities. Fall dates are Oct. 7, 8 and 14.
"As our population centers grow it is important to be mindful of the health risks associated with smoke and other particulate matter," said Sue Billings, air quality supervisor for Ecology. "These days are designed to provide citizens with a smooth transition from burning to not burning,"
The Washington Clean Air Act calls for residential outdoor burning to be phased out by Dec. 31 of this year in urban growth areas and cities with populations greater than 10,000.
In addition to burning only on the designated days, other rules must be followed. Natural vegetation remains the only legal fuel for outdoor burning. Burning garbage or other materials that produce dense smoke, obnoxious odors or toxic emissions is prohibited -- this includes treated wood, asphalt products and construction and demolition debris.
Outdoor fires must be attended at all times by someone able to extinguish the fire. Citizens are reminded to be respectful of their neighbors and avoid smoldering fires, which create excess smoke that can bother other residents.
"We hope people will take the opportunity to learn about local chipping and composting programs as alternative ways to dispose of their yard waste - to help keep the Wenatchee Valley's air clean," Billings said.
Rules for burning are available at Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, Chelan Co. Fire District No.1 and Douglas Co. Fire District No. 2 fire stations. Commercial agricultural burning activities are not affected by these changes. Farmers who wish to conduct agricultural burning may continue to apply for agricultural burning permits by calling (509) 456-2926.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
