Ecology issues burn ban for Walla Walla County

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - December 24, 2009

09-298

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is issuing a burn ban in Walla Walla County because of worsening air quality.

Ecology’s Stage 1 burn ban for Walla Walla County is effective from 4 p.m. today until at least 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. Ecology may extend the ban until Monday and residents are advised to check local media reports, the daily burn decision hotline (1-800-406-5322) and www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/outdoor_woodsmoke/burn_ban.htm

The Stage 1 ban applies to unnecessary use of uncertified wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces, and to all outdoor burning.

Smoke from outdoor burning, wood stoves and fireplaces is likely to build up where cold air is trapped near the ground. People can easily breathe fine particles in smoke deep into their lungs, where the particles can damage sensitive tissues.

Under a Stage 1 ban:

Use of fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and uncertified inserts is prohibited unless they are a home’s only 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 the time they spend 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/indoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm.

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Media Contact: Dan Partridge, Ecology communications manager, 360-407-7139; cell phone, 360-480-5722; e-mail: dpar461@ecy.wa.gov