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Department of Ecology News Release - December 8, 2006
06-259
OLYMPIA - Despite improving weather conditions in much of Eastern Washington, the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is continuing to urge residents to refrain from outdoor burning and unnecessary use of woodstoves and fireplaces through Sunday morning.
"We thank residents for doing their part to reduce air pollution," said Ecology meteorologist Clint Bowman. "We're encouraging them to do what they can to avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air pollution."
For the past 24 hours, air quality around the state has generally been in the "moderate" range on the Air Quality Index (AQI), except in Pierce and Yakima counties where the air quality has been at the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" AQI level.
As a series of weak weather systems move across the state some areas are beginning to respond to the changes that are expected over the weekend. This will help to clear out accumulated pollution.
Air stagnation advisories (ASA) issued by the Spokane and Pendleton offices of the National Weather Service are scheduled to expire at noon on Saturday, except for the Yakima and Kittitas valleys. Advisories for those locations will continue until noon on Sunday.
A Stage II Burn Ban remains in effect in Yakima County until Monday morning. In other parts of Eastern Washington increasing ventilation will allow the voluntary burn curtailment to be lifted on Sunday morning.
Eastern Washington residents should monitor local news media for information about voluntary or mandatory woodstove restrictions.
Smoke from outdoor burning, woodstoves and fireplaces accumulates in low-lying areas where a temperature inversion has trapped a layer of cold air near the ground. Fine particles released in the smoke are harmful to people's health.
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 (360) 584-5744.
Health tips: American Lung Association (http://www.lungusa.org)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
