Please be advised:
News Media: Please distribute for publication – News and Weather.
Effective 10:45 AM, PST today, Monday, December 19, 2011.
The Stage 2 Burn Ban recently declared for Upper and Lower Yakima County has now beendowngraded to a Stage 1 Burn Ban for both areas.
- PM2.5 levels have decreased dramatically and are currently Good (Green) for Upper and Lower Valley.
- NWS Air Stagnation Advisory is due to expire tomorrow at noon.
- Because of current poor ventilation and dispersion, with calm winds persisting, we will maintain a Stage 1 Burn Ban today.
- We will re-evaluate this afternoon.
Please Note: Restrictions may differ within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation. The Yakama Nationis 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 .
Reminder:
During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:
- All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
- 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;
- Certified wood stove, certified fireplace insert or pellet stove/insert use is allowed;
- No excessive smoke (over 20% opacity) is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and
- All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.
Thank you for your cooperation throughout the lengthy Stage 2 Burn Ban!
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.