Effective 9:00 AM today, Wednesday, December 30, 2009, the Stage 1 Burn Ban currently in place is UPGRADED to a STAGE 2 BURN BAN for all of Yakima County (except for areas within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Indian Reservation) – BOTH the Upper and the Lower Yakima County areas.
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:
- All Outdoor Burning, including Agricultural burning, is prohibited;
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.