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Department of Ecology News Release - November 3, 2006
06-224
OLYMPIA – Due to an inversion settling over much of Eastern Washington, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is asking residents to voluntarily refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces through Sunday morning. Poor air quality is expected to continue into the weekend over much of Eastern Washington, especially the protected valleys along the east slopes of the Cascades. A series of moderate, wet Pacific systems will produce gradually improved air quality throughout the weekend.
"We're asking people to avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air pollution if they can," said Ecology meteorologist Clint Bowman. "Conditions will be problematic across Eastern Washington over the weekend."
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.
Ecology officials said smoke and air pollution can aggravate asthma and other medical conditions. Those who have had a heart attack, angina, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis are also more sensitive to air pollution. Young children, the elderly and people with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments should consider limiting their outdoor activities until the air clears.
Eastern Washington residents should monitor local news media for information about additional voluntary or mandatory woodstove restrictions.
Ecology also recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation. If burning wood is the only source of heat, people should burn hot fires using dry wood to lessen smoke emissions.
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Contact: Seth Preston, Public Information Officer, 360-407-6848; cell phone (208) 860-4296.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
