WA Burn Bans

Both Upper and Lower Yakima County remain in a Stage 1 Burn Ban today.

•  The PM_2.5 air quality monitors are at levels of Moderate to Unhealthy for sensitive groups this morning.
• The inversion currently affecting concentrations of particulates in the air is forecasted to last most of the day with poor ventilation and poor dispersion.

Reminder:

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 (over 20% opacity) 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.

Please Note: The jurisdiction of YRCAA covers all of Yakima County, excluding Yakama Nation Reservation lands.  Restrictions may differ within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation.  The Yakama Nation is addressing air quality issues in conjunction with the EPA, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR).  For up-to-date information there, please call 1-800-424-4EPA (1-800-424-4372) 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  .

YRCAA will continue to monitor and evaluate local air quality conditions and projections.

Please check our website for the most up-to-date information at: http://www.yakimacleanair.org  or call the YRCAA office at (509) 834-2050.

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.

Find out more information about RCW 70.94.473, WAC 173-425 and important key terms.