The current Stage 2 Burn Ban in Upper Yakima County is DOWNGRADED to Stage 1 and the Stage 1 Burn Ban in Lower Yakima County is REMOVED effective 3:00 P.M. today, Monday, December 21, 2009.
Conditions have improved temporarily but are projected to worsen again on Wednesday and Thursday, Christmas Eve day. Because conditions are expected to deteriorate soon, YRCAA requests VOLUNTARY RESTRICTIONS on burning wood for home heating unless it is absolutely necessary, in our common goal to maintain the healthiest quality of air possible. REMEMBER: Burning gift paper adds toxins to our air – Please Don’t Burn Christmas Wrappings. “We can’t do it without your assistance.”
Reminder:
No Residential Outdoor Burning is allowed from October 15th through March 14th.
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. For more information, visit their Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .
AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: Please Note – NO Agricultural Burn Allocations will be authorized for the time being.
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 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 – even those legally able to do so – until air quality improves and the risk to public health is diminished.
For further information on Continuing Conditions and Burn Ban Status, please 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. Click here for a list of air authorities.