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Department of Ecology News Release - November 25, 2002
02-211
OLYMPIA - Current poor air circulation throughout Washington means people should refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces until the weather changes, according to the state Department of Ecology (Ecology).
A high-pressure pattern has settled over the Northwest, setting up a temperature inversion that can trap smoke and other pollution near the ground. As a result, the National Weather Service today issued an "air stagnation watch" for Washington state.
"To minimize the effects of the inversion, we recommend that people avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air pollution," said Ecology meteorologist Dick Stender. "Any pollutants released into the air right now are likely to stay in the air."
Stender noted that the greatest concern is the fine particles in smoke from outdoor burning and from wood stoves and fireplaces. This smoke is likely to accumulate, especially in low-lying areas where air circulation is restricted by the temperature inversion, which traps a layer of cold air near the ground.
Residents of populated areas throughout the state should monitor local news media for information about voluntary or mandatory woodstove restrictions. If current conditions persist, local authorities may impose restrictions in some areas.
"We've known for a long time that smoke and air pollution can be harmful to people's health," said Mary Burg, manager of Ecology's air quality program. "It's particularly important that young children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments consider limiting their outdoor activities until the weather clears up."
In addition to not burning, Ecology recommends that people limit their vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation. If burning wood is your only source of heat, burn hot fires using dry wood to lessen smoke emissions.
Contact: Leslie Thorpe, Public Information Manager, 360-407-6848 - office, 360-534-8590 - pagerCopyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
