Stagnant Air Leads To Stage One Burn Ban

The Pollution Control Officer for the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has declared a Stage 1 Burn Ban for both the Upper and Lower Yakima County areas, due deteriorating conditions in the Yakima area. Due to a strong inversion and stagnant air conditions, YRCAA air sampling devices are displaying higher pollutant levels.

In addition to outdoor burning prohibition, this will prohibit the use of uncertified woodstoves, fireplaces and uncertified fireplace inserts.

If present trends continue, indications are strong that this burn ban may be elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban by this afternoon.

• PM2.5 Air Quality levels are into the Moderate (Yellow) level in the Lower County Area, and

• PM2.5 Air Quality levels are into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) level in the Upper County Area

• We will continue to evaluate the burn ban status at regular intervals.

• Please continue to check for the most current information on our website: www.yakimacleanair.org

PLEASE NOTE:

• During Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups (Orange) Air Quality Conditions –

• People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

• Consult your health care professional if you begin to experience difficulty breathing

• Everyone else should try and limit outdoor activity.

• Consolidate necessary trips

Please Note: Restrictions may differ within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation. The Yakama Nation is addressing air quality issues in conjunction with the EPA, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR). For up-to-date information there, please call 1-800-424-4EPA (1-800-424-4372) and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

Reminder:

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;

2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;

3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;

4. No excessive smoke (over 20% opacity) is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and

5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.