In Effect July 15 – September 30, 2010

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands July 15, 2010, through September 30, 2010. This means all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands.

“The threat of wildfires from escaped outdoor burning is high during the summer months due to unusual fire danger,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Wildfires are dangerous for people and property and result in large expenditures of public funding that can be avoided through prudent actions to prevent them.”

The ban applies to all outdoor burning, including currently permitted burns, with the following exceptions:

1. Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds, or
2. DNR-approved prescribed fire, implemented to enhance or restore fire-dependent ecosystems and forest health, when enhancement and restoration by prescribed fire can only be accomplished successfully during the period of time from July 15th, 2010, through September 30th, 2010, or
3. As approved in writing by DNR when there are compelling reasons for an exception.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques will continue to be allowed under the ban.

This burn ban takes precedence over and supersedes all other burn bans currently in effect on forestlands except federal lands.

Media Contact: Janet Pearce, Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov

source

YRCAA wishes to extend congratulations and thanks to all persons, families and businesses who, through understanding and cooperation helped us achieve an end to this long period of curtailment. 

“We can’t do it without your assistance.”

Reminder:

No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15^th through March 14^th.

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and fall under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) regulations.   For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized over the weekend, but can only be received by contacting YRCAA staff.

To receive Authorization and an Allocation for Agricultural Burning you must:

1.  Have a current Agricultural Burn Permit on file with YRCAA, and:

2.  Either call YRCAA in the afternoon prior to the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn, IF you wish to burn as early as permitted on the day you wish to burn (30 minutes after sunrise). OR,

3.  Call YRCAA after 9:00 A.M. on the morning of the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn.  You may not initiate burning until such confirmation has been determined by YRCAA, and an allocation issued.

For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at:  http://www.yakimacleanair.org  or call the YRCAA office at:  (509) 834-2050

                        LOWER YAKIMA COUNTY –  The STAGE 1 BURN BAN is REMOVED

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has upgraded this burn ban due to improved air quality in both the Upper and the Lower Yakima County areas. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistently inadequate ventilation.

There has been some air quality improvement in Upper Yakima County, but it has been insufficient to completely clear out the stagnant air mass.  Monitor values in the City of Yakima have decreased, allowing the Stage 2 Burn Ban for Upper Yakima County to be downgraded to a Stage 1 Burn Ban.  

Air Quality Conditions are sufficiently improved in Lower Yakima County today to justify removing the Stage 1 Burn Ban for home heating..

No Agricultural Burn Ban Allocations will be issued, however, until further notice.

YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency for any local burning requirements.

Under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations, EPA has the authority to call burn bans on reservations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. When an EPA burn ban is in place it applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires within reservation boundaries. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the outdoor burn ban. There are also somereservations that have delegation to call their own burn bans and no burn days.

During burn bans, EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and vehicle idling, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts. Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period. Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory, cardiac or pulmonary diseases. Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible.

Contact: Gary Olson (olson.gary@epa.gov) at 206-553-0977, or Keith Rose (rose.keith@epa.gov) at 206-553-1949.

Notes to media: Please repeat this message throughout your broadcasting day and weather portions of your newscast.

To receive burn ban announcements by email, please contact Gary Olson (olson.gary@epa.gov) at (206) 553-0997.

There continues to be insufficient winds in Yakima City to clear out the stagnate air.  Monitor values in Yakima increased significantly today requiring a Stage 2 Burn Ban to be reinstituted for Upper Yakima County.  Air Quality Conditions are poor throughout Yakima County today.

No Agricultural Burn Ban Allocations will be issued while conditions persist.

YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations, EPA has the authority to call burn bans on reservations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. When an EPA burn ban is in place it applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires within reservation boundaries. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the outdoor burn ban. There are also somereservations that have delegation to call their own burn bans and no burn days.

During burn bans, EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and vehicle idling, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts. Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period. Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory, cardiac or pulmonary diseases. Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible.

Contact: Gary Olson (olson.gary@epa.gov) at 206-553-0977, or Keith Rose (rose.keith@epa.gov) at 206-553-1949.

Notes to media: Please repeat this message throughout your broadcasting day and weather portions of your newscast.

To receive burn ban announcements by email, please contact Gary Olson (olson.gary@epa.gov) at (206) 553-0997.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and inadequate ventilation.

Air quality may worsen – ventilation is poor for today and tomorrow; YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted or elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
4. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

YRCAA wishes to extend congratulations and thanks to all persons, families and businesses who, through understanding and cooperation helped us achieve an earlier end to this curtailment than we anticipated.

“We can’t do it without your assistance.”

Reminder:

No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15^th through March 14^th.

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for the area within the external boundaries of the Yakama Indian Reservation, which is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and falls under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) regulations.  For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – NO Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized for the time being.

REMEMBER:

To receive Authorization and an Allocation for Agricultural Burning you must:

1.  Have a current Agricultural Burn Permit on file with YRCAA, and:

2.  Either call YRCAA in the afternoon prior to the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn, IF you wish to burn as early as permitted on the day you wish to burn (30 minutes after sunrise). OR,

3.  Call YRCAA after 9:00 A.M. on the morning of the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn.  You may not initiate burning until such confirmation has been determined by YRCAA, and an allocation issued.

For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at:  http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call the YRCAA office at:  (509) 834-2050

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

While most of Yakima County experienced strong winds Friday evening, there were insufficient winds in Yakima City to clear out the stagnate air.  This appears to be a localized event, where the worst air quality was in Yakima City and in the close surrounding areas in the Upper Valley.  Monitor values in Yakima increased significantly this weekend requiring a Stage 2 Burn Ban to be put back on for Upper Yakima County.  Air Quality Conditions are poor throughout Yakima County today.

YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate in the Upper County area only. These high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and inadequate ventilation.

Air quality has worsened due to lack of expected ventilation and clearing in the Upper Yakima County area only.  Current Upper County air monitors report air quality in the UNHEALTHY (Red) range. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 2 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any solid-fuel burning fireplace, stove or fireplace insert (including certified devices) is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;

Note: The most commonly used “solid fuels” are wood, manufactured logs, pellets and coal.

1. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
2. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

YRCAA wishes to extend congratulations and thanks to all persons, families and businesses who, through understanding and cooperation helped us achieve an end to this long period of curtailment. 

“We can’t do it without your assistance.”

Reminder:

No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15^th through March 14^th.

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and fall under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) regulations.   For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – NO Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized over the weekend (January 1^st  thru Sunday, January 3^rd, 2010)

To receive Authorization and an Allocation for Agricultural Burning you must:

1.  Have a current Agricultural Burn Permit on file with YRCAA, and:

2.  Either call YRCAA in the afternoon prior to the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn, IF you wish to burn as early as permitted on the day you wish to burn (30 minutes after sunrise). OR,

3.  Call YRCAA after 9:00 A.M. on the morning of the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn.  You may not initiate burning until such confirmation has been determined by YRCAA, and an allocation issued.

For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at:  http://www.yakimacleanair.org  or call the YRCAA office at:  (509) 834-2050

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban upgrade due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by higher levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.  This Burn Ban is expected to extend into Friday morning.

YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be modified or lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 2 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any solid-fuel burning fireplace, stove or fireplace insert (including certified devices) is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;

Note: The most commonly used “solid fuels” are wood, manufactured logs, pellets and coal.

1. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
2. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has continued this burn ban due to air stagnation in the Yakima area.  Fine particulate levels are likely to increase and cause impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects.  Fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

Air quality may worsen, as the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon has declared an AIR STAGNATION EVENT for this area, which is projected to continue at least into Wednesday afternoon. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted or elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
4. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

Air quality may worsen, as the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Oregon is declaring an AIR STAGNATION EVENT for this area, which is projected to continue at least into Saturday afternoon. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted or elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
4. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

 Conditions have improved temporarily but are projected to worsen again on Wednesday and Thursday, Christmas Eve day.  Because conditions are expected to deteriorate soon, YRCAA requests VOLUNTARY RESTRICTIONS on burning wood for home heating unless it is absolutely necessary, in our common goal to maintain the healthiest quality of air possible.  REMEMBER: Burning gift paper adds toxins to our air – Please Don’t Burn Christmas Wrappings.                           “We can’t do it without your assistance.”

Reminder:

No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15^th through March 14^th.

 Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and fall under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) regulations.   For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

 AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – NO Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized for the time being.

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
4. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

 The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at:  http://www.yakimacleanair.org  or call the YRCAA office at:  (509) 834-2050

Contact: Gary Olson, 206-553-0977, olson.gary@epa.gov Keith Rose, 206-553-1949, rose.keith@epa.gov, (Seattle, Wash. – December 18, 2009)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 has called a continuation of the burn ban on all outdoor burning on the Yakama reservations in Washington due to continuing stagnant air conditions in the region. EPA will reassess the need to continue or terminate this burn ban on Monday, December 21.

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires within reservation boundaries. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the outdoor burn ban. EPA also requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and idling of vehicles, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts. Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period. Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory, cardiac or pulmonary diseases. Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible.

Please call 1-800-424-4EPA and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm. NOTES TO MEDIA: Please repeat this message throughout your broadcasting day and weather portions of your newscast.

Gary Olson OAWT Suite 900 EPA Region 10 1200 6th Ave Seattle, WA 98101 206-553-0977

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be modified or lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 2 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any solid-fuel burning fireplace, stove or fireplace insert (including certified devices) is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;

Note: The most commonly used “solid fuels” are wood, manufactured logs, pellets and coal.

1. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
2. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation. 

These Burn Bans must remain in place as long as conditions persist.  YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

Conditions have improved, at least temporarily, and should remain so at least into Thursday, December 17^th.

YRCAA wishes to extend congratulations and thanks to all persons, families and businesses who, through understanding and cooperation helped us achieve an earlier end to this curtailment than we anticipated. 

“We can’t do it without your assistance.”

Reminder:

No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15^th through March 14^th.

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency, and fall under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) regulations.   For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm

AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – NO Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized for the time being.

REMEMBER:

To receive Authorization and an Allocation for Agricultural Burning you must:

1.  Have a current Agricultural Burn Permit on file with YRCAA, and:

2.  Either call YRCAA in the afternoon prior to the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn, IF you wish to burn as early as permitted on the day you wish to burn (30 minutes after sunrise). OR,

3.  Call YRCAA after 9:00 A.M. on the morning of the day you wish to burn for confirmation of an allocation to burn.  You may not initiate burning until such confirmation has been determined by YRCAA, and an allocation issued.

For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at:  http://www.yakimacleanair.org  or call the YRCAA office at:  (509) 834-2050

(Seattle, Wash. – December 14, 2009)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 has called a continuation of the burn ban on all outdoor burning on the Yakama reservations in Washington due to continuing stagnant air conditions as a high pressure system remains in the region.   EPA will reassess the need to continue or terminate this burn ban on Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The burn ban for the following Reservation has been discontinued as of 10 AM Monday, December 14, 2009

Muckleshoot Reservation, Washington
Nisqually Reservation, Washington
Port Gamble Reservation, Washington
Puyallup Reservation, Washington
Stillaguamish Reservation, Washington
Port Madison Reservation, Washington
Tulalip Reservation, Washington

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires within reservation boundaries.   Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the outdoor burn ban.

EPA also requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and idling of vehicles, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts.  Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period.  Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory, cardiac or pulmonary diseases.  Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible.

Please call 1-800-424-4EPA and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm.

NOTES TO MEDIA:  Please repeat this message throughout your broadcasting day and weather portions of your newscast.

Gary Olson
OAWT  Suite 900
EPA Region 10
1200 6th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206-553-0977

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

These Burn Bans must remain in place as long as conditions persist.  YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

 Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

Air quality may worsen and is not projected to improve until Sunday afternoon. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be modified or lifted.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

Please Note: This applies to all areas of Yakima County except for Yakama Indian Reservation lands, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations Regulations (FARR). For more information, visit the FARR website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

During a Stage 2 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any solid-fuel burning fireplace, stove or fireplace insert (including certified devices) is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
4. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

Note: The most commonly used “solid fuels” are wood, manufactured logs, pellets and coal.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

• Ventilation and Dispersion are very poor today and through the rest of the week.
• Monitor levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (WAQA).
• We will continue to evaluate the burn ban status twice daily.
• No Agricultural burning is allowed.

Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high levels of fine particulate. The high levels of fine particulate, caused primarily by wood stoves and outdoor burning, are trapped close to the ground by persistent inversion and/or inadequate ventilation.

Air quality may worsen and is not projected to improve until Saturday morning. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted or elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban.

Please check our website for the latest information:

http://www.yakimacleanair.org , or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050

During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1. All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
2. The use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;
3. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
4. No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
5. All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

The Air Pollution Control Officer strongly encourages all Yakima County residents to refrain from burning – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.

A Stage 2 Burn Ban means that:

• all outdoor burning is prohibited, to include agricultural burning
• the use of any fireplace, wood stove or fireplace (including certified devices) is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home
• no excessive smoke is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
• all violations of the burn ban are subject to a civil penalty

For more information visit the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website or Download the press release here.

A Stage 1 Burn Ban means that:

• all outdoor burning is prohibited, to include agricultural burning for permit holders
• the use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove, or uncertified insert is prohibited unless it is the sole source of heat
• certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert, or pellet stove insert use is allowed.

For more information visit the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website or Download the press release here.

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Effective 12:20 p.m. PST, Tuesday, July 21, 2009, until further notice. Deteriorating air quality conditions of increasing particulate content in the PM2.5 range, primariliy due to wildfires in Canada, outdoor burning and poor ventilation. Expect the current Stage 1 burn ban to extend until Friday and potentially into the weekend. Below is a graph of the 1 hour and 24 hour PM2.5 averages for the last couple of days. The graph below is publically available as a service of Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

For more information contact David M. Caprile, Public Information/Education Officer, Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency, 329 North 1st Street, Yakima, WA 98901-2303, Voice: 509 834-2050 ext. 110, Fax: 509 834-2060, Email: david@yrcaa.org.

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