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Department of Ecology News Release - December 5, 2006
06-254
OLYMPIA - Due to air stagnation settling over Eastern Washington, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is urging residents to refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of woodstoves and fireplaces through Friday.
"We're asking people to avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air pollution if they can," said Ecology meteorologist Clint Bowman. "Right now and for the next several days, there just isn't anywhere for pollutants to go."
Eastern Washington residents should monitor local news media for information about additional voluntary or mandatory woodstove restrictions. A mandatory burn ban called by local authorities remains in effect in Yakima County for outdoor burning and use of uncertified woodstoves and fireplaces.
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.
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.
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.
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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.
