The Stage Two Burn Ban in Thurston County will be lifted, effective 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 04, 2011.
The change in weather this afternoon has increased atmospheric ventilation, resulting in cleaner air in our neighborhoods. As a result, the need for a ban has been eliminated.
Still, just because you can burn doesn’t mean you should. Burning at any time adds to the air pollution levels in your local neighborhood, and residents are encouraged to seek alternatives to burning throughout the year. ORCAA especially encourages residents to resist outdoor when possible. When outdoor burning does take place, note that only natural vegetation may be burned. State law prohibits the burning of garbage and home-repair debris at any time. Burn barrels of any kind are also prohibited by state law.
Unregulated outdoor burning of any kind can contribute to poor air quality, but burning garbage and other debris—even scraps of milled wood products—is particularly problematic. Most household garbage contains a great deal of plastics, chemicals, coatings and chemically treated materials. When burned, this garbage and waste material releases toxic fumes and particles into the air. This pollution can cause health problems ranging from eye and respiratory irritation to potential cancers.
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) encourages all residents to explore options such as chipping of woody debris, and composting of leaves and grass-clippings rather than burning.
Woodstoves and fireplace inserts used for home heating, meanwhile, should be operated as cleanly as possible. That means allowing adequate airflow into the fire chamber to encourage a hot fire for complete combustion. Choking a fire by turning down the damper creates significant smoke that can impact a neighborhood. Fires should be kept small and hot for most efficient use of your fuel – you’ll save money and save our shared air.
For more information about burn ban regulations, clean home heating and outdoor burning practices, visit www.orcaa.org
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.