Effective 0930 hrs PDT, August 06, 2010, and until further notice, a Stage 1 Burn Ban is called for Yakima County – BOTH the Upper Yakima County and the Lower Yakima County.
Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has called this ban due to deteriorating air quality conditions of increasing particulate content in the PM2.5 range, primarily due to wildfires in Canada, outdoor burning activity and inadequate ventilation, thereby impeding dilution and dispersion. These “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (Orange) conditions are expected to last through the weekend.
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.
Burn Ban conditions will continue to be re-evaluated on a daily basis.
Note: The maximum allowable level of airborne particulates in the 2.5 micron range (PM2.5) under the current standard imposed by the Clean Air Act is 35μg/m3. The new standard went into effect on December 18, 2006, raising the standard (by lowering the tolerated amount) from the previous limit of 65μg/m3.
A Stage I Burn Ban means that, until removed:
- Agricultural burning for permit holders is prohibited
- Residential Outdoor burning for permit holders is prohibited in all areas.
- However unlikely this time of year, the use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified insert is prohibited unless it is the sole source of home heating. Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed.
The Office of the Air Pollution Control Officer of the YRCAA wishes to strongly encourage all Yakima County residents to refrain from unnecessary wood burning (ex: Recreational or Cooking Fires) until weather conditions change, allowing air conditions to improve and clear, bringing the current air quality health concern under control.
For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, check the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency website at: http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call THE YRCAA office at: (509) 834-2050
We make every effort to ensure that all burn ban announcements and restrictions are posted. Always call or visit your county and local clean air agency and check the DNR fire danger for the most current information.
Find out more information about RCW 70.94.473, WAC 173-425 and important key terms.