Cold, calm weather continues throughout western Washington again this week. As a result, our regional air quality continues to be nudging higher at times. Fortunately, residents have responded well to our request for voluntary restrictions on outdoor burning. With less outdoor burning, we’ve been able to avoid having to call a formal burn ban that could prevent residents from using wood stoves for home heating.
Since the current weather pattern will likely continue through the week, ORCAA asks that all residents continue to VOLUNTARILY CURTAIL all outdoor burning. 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 and very 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 deep 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 also 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. You can find more details on the options at Outdoor Burning – ORCAA or by calling your local waste disposal company.
ORCAA has also curtailed all land clearing burning in our six-county region during this cold weather event to further protection local air quality. When conditions improve, we’ll reopen burn permits.
Also please keep in mind that burning trash is ILLEGAL at all times throughout Washington.
