Effective 9:00 AM today, a Stage 1 Burn Ban is declared for all of Yakima County (except Yakama Indian Reservation land) – BOTH the Upper and the Lower Yakima County areas. This curtailment is currently projected to extend to 9:00 AM Saturday, December 12, 2009.
- Ventilation and Dispersion are very poor today and through the rest of the week.
- Monitor levels are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (WAQA).
- We will continue to evaluate the burn ban status twice daily.
- No Agricultural burning is allowed.
Explanation: The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) has declared this burn ban due to impaired air quality and associated adverse health effects caused by high 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.
Air quality may worsen and is not projected to improve until Saturday morning. YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine if and when the burn ban can be lifted or elevated to a Stage 2 Burn Ban.
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 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.
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.