SUBJECT: UPPER & LOWER YAKIMA COUNTY – STAGE I BURN BAN CONTINUED
The Stage I Burn Ban declared yesterday will remain in effect for all of Yakima County until air quality improves. This includes BOTH the Upper and the Lower Yakima County areas. The Air Pollution Control Officer of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has called this Burn Ban primarily as a result of locally impaired air quality due to a stagnant air condition, elevated air monitor values and little projected ventilation or dispersion. A slight elevation in ventilation may occur tonight, but is projected to be only fleeting, returning to little or no ventilation on Saturday and Sunday. This Burn Ban is expected to remain in place into Monday, November 7th.
YRCAA staff will continue to monitor the air quality to determine when any changes to the current burn ban should be made. Air Quality conditions can change rapidly.
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.
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 .
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.