A high-pressure system has settled over the State of Washington, causing some air stagnation. As a result, any air pollution generated in a community will remain within that community.
With that in mind, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) asks that residents of Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, and Thurston Counties VOLUNTARILY CURTAIL all outdoor burning starting Saturday, January 17, until conditions improve. By limiting the amount of outdoor burning occurring, 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.