The high-pressure system that brought cold, foggy conditions to western Washington last week will continue through the coming weekend. That means any air pollution that’s generated in our communities will tend to stay in our communities.
With that in mind, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) asks that residents continue to hold off on outdoor burning until conditions improve. By limiting the amount of outdoor burning, ORCAA hopes to avoid having to call an official burn ban. During a Stage 1 ban, residents would have to curtail their use of wood stoves for home heating. In short, curbing outdoor burning now will mean residents can continue to use their wood stoves to stay warm and safe.
Burning wood creates smoke composed of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles are too small to be filtered by the nose and the body’s other natural defense mechanisms. They may end up being inhaled deeply into the lungs. That means that exposure to wood smoke may cause breathing problems. It may also increase the severity of existing lung disease, such as asthma. Smoke has been shown to aggravate heart and vascular disease.
Rather than burning yard waste this week, ORCAA asks homeowners to use alternative means of disposal to clean up their yards. Chipping and composting are the best options, though other alternatives to burning are also available. For more alternatives to outdoor burning, call your local waste disposal company or check our Outdoor Burning web page.
ORCAA has also curtailed all land-clearing burning in our Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, and Thurston Counties during this air stagnation event to further protect local air quality. When conditions improve, ORCAA will reopen burn permits.
Also, please keep in mind that burning trash is ILLEGAL at all times throughout Washington.