With the potential for temperatures to hit the high 70ºF this weekend, many people will turn their attention to yard and garden work. But while the high-pressure system drives that warmer weather, it could also hinder the dispersal of any smoke pollution that’s put into the air.
Because of that, and the fact that the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns of elevated risk of wildfires this weekend, ORCAA asks residents to voluntarily limit the amount of outdoor burning they do during this high-pressure weather system. DNR’s warning this week notes, “Early spring, before plants fully green up, is a deceptively risky time for wildfires. Dead grass and last year’s leaf litter can dry out rapidly, providing the fuel that can allow fast-spreading brush fires to strike unexpectedly. According to the National Weather Service, this week is expected to bring warmer and dryer temperatures that could climb well into the 70ºs.” See more details from DNR here.
From an air quality perspective, because most of the brush and yard trimmings currently accumulating are green and wet, burning now will create heavy, dense smoke. What’s more, in many areas, yard-waste burning is not allowed under state law. To see where burning is allowed, and what permits may be required, check HERE.
Where burning is legal, ORCAA suggests letting piles “cure” for 6-9 months to ensure fast, clean burning. A better option would be to compost the material and use the resultant organic soil as a garden additive or covering mulch to improve the health of your plantings while reducing both fire risks and air pollution.
Another factor to consider before burning is the current state of our communities. With neighborhoods still full of home-bound residents thanks to the Covid-19 precautions, any smoke created by recreational fires or yard-waste burning may impact a larger-than-usual number of people. Worse, since Covid-19 creates severe respiratory issues, anything that impacts breathing during these tense times can add to people’s stress and worry.
You may find alternatives to Outdoor Burn here.
