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Department of Ecology News Release - Jan. 6, 2003
03-006
OLYMPIA - Due to air stagnation that settled Monday over the Pacific Northwest, the state Department of Ecology is asking people to voluntarily refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces.
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 advisory for the populated areas and valleys in Washington state.
"We're asking people to avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air pollution if they can," said Ecology meteorologist Dick Stender. "Right now and for the next several days, there just isn't anywhere for pollutants to go."
Of particular concern are fine particles released by smoke from outdoor burning, wood stoves and fireplaces. This smoke is likely to accumulate, especially in low-lying areas where a temperature inversion has trapped a layer of cold air near the ground.
Residents of populated regions 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.
Families with young children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments should consider limiting their outdoor activities until the weather clears up.
People also should limit their vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation. If burning wood is your only source of heat, burn small, hot fires using dry wood to keep the smoke down.
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Contact: Leslie Thorpe, Public Information Manager, 360-407-6848 - office 360-534-8590 - pager
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
