Ecology extends burn ban in Walla Walla County

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - November 17, 2008

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OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is continuing a burn ban on unnecessary use of uncertified wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces, and on all outdoor burning in Walla Walla County.

The National Weather Service has issued an air stagnation advisory for areas bordering the Columbia River east of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon. Of special 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's Stage 1 ban for Walla Walla County will continue through 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. It took effect at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Under a Stage 1 ban:

Use of fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and uncertified inserts is prohibited unless they are a home's sole source of heat.
All outdoor burning – including residential, agricultural and forest burning – is prohibited.
Use of certified wood-burning devices and pellet stoves is allowed. Ecology recommends burning hot fires using only clean, dry wood.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution should 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 recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation to reduce air pollution.

For a list of certified wood stoves and clean-burning tips, see www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/outdoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm.

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Media Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager, 360-407-6848; 360-584-5744 cell; spre461@ecy.wa.gov