Welcome to Skagit County

November 1st, 2007

Air Quality Advisory
RESIDENTS ASKED TO NOT BURN WOOD

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has asked residents statewide to voluntarily limit outdoor burning and their use of wood stoves and fireplaces because of stagnant air conditions. Stagnant air conditions are expected in many areas of the state through the weekend.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency asks residents in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties to voluntarily refrain from burning outdoors or using their wood stoves or fireplaces. Air quality in many areas throughout these three counties may be good. There are, however, neighborhoods where smoke from burning wood accumulates during stagnant conditions because of high housing density and/or geographical location.

Fine particles in smoke can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors until air quality improves. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults age 65 and older.

Conditions may improve temporarily during daylight hours on Thursday. They are expected to worsen again Thursday night. Forecasts show conditions improving Monday. The Northwest Clean Air Agency will continue to monitor air quality and issue updates as necessary. In the meantime, if you must burn, here are some things you can do to help protect our air quality:

• Consider using manufactured logs. They are made from recycled wood products and burn cleaner than cut wood.
• Burn small, hot fires.
• Give the fire lots of air. Don’t damper it down.
• Go outside and check your chimney every so often to make sure there is little visible smoke. State law limits the density of chimney smoke to just a wisp.

For local air quality information, visit the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s website at www.nwcleanair.org. The Northwest Clean Air Agency protects and enhances air quality for citizens in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Contact the Agency if you have general questions about air quality. To learn about the health effects of air pollution, check out the American Lung Association of Washington's Web site at www.alaw.org.