May 11, 2008

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Dan A. Nelson, ORCAA Public Information Officer, Ext. 111

Continued Stable Weather Pattern Prompts Expansion of Burn Restrictions into Clallam County

Because of concerns over degrading air quality, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency has called a ban on land clearing burning east of the Elwha River in Clallam County, and is strongly discouraging all indoor and outdoor burning in the region until further notice.

A system of stable, high pressure over Western Washington, coupled with overnight temperatures well below freezing, caused air pollution levels to climb. A change in weather will be needed to restore cleaner air quality, but the current weather pattern is expected to remain unchanged into the weekend.

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency monitors the situation continuously and will lift the burn restrictions as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime, here are some other things people can do to help protect the air we breathe:

  • When possible, do not use any woodstove or fireplace.
  • If you do have a fire in a certified stove or fireplace, consider using manufactured logs if you must burn. They are made from recycled wood products and burn cleaner than cut wood.
  • Always use your woodstove or fireplace properly to ensure the cleanest burning possible. Remember that excess smoke is always illegal.
  • Limit your driving as much as possible, since vehicles are a big source of air pollution year round.
  • Check air-quality forecasts and current conditions at www.orcaa.org. The current and forecasted air-quality conditions are available via the links on the right.

    • To learn about the health effects of air pollution, check out the American Lung Association of Washington's Web site at www.alaw.org.