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Department of Ecology News Release - Nov. 5, 2003
03-216
OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has banned all outdoor burning statewide until further notice due to elevated air-pollution levels caused by current weather patterns.
"The fair, cold weather we've been having creates poor air circulation," said Ecology meteorologist Clint Bowman. "Pollution gets trapped near the ground, and we're starting to see increased levels of particulates.
"Halting outdoor burning will prevent pollution and protect people's health," he added.
Particulate matter--fine airborne particles--can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and damage delicate tissues. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart ailments are at the greatest risk from this pollutant.
People who exert themselves outdoors, including exercising or working adults and children at play, may increase their exposure to particulate matter because of their heavy breathing.
Under current weather conditions, particles in smoke from outdoor burning, wood stoves and fireplaces will accumulate, especially in towns and low-lying areas such as valleys.
The outdoor burning ban applies even in areas where outdoor fires normally are allowed. During the burn ban it is unlawful to start an outdoor fire, and any existing fire must be put out as soon as possible.
Ecology also recommends against unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces. If burning wood is your only source of heat, burn hot fires using dry wood to lower the amount of smoke.
Local air quality agencies may impose indoor burning restrictions, which will be announced on the Internet and through local news media.
In addition to not burning, Ecology recommends that people limit their vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation.
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Contact: Leslie Thorpe, Public Information Manager, 360-534-8590 (pager)
For more information:
Local clean-air agencies:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/local.html
Air-quality monitoring data:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/ (Link updated 01/18/08))
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
