Expected air stagnation and a rise in fine-particle air pollution led local officials to declare a Stage 2 burn ban in Clark County late Friday.
The ban, which took effect immediately, means all wood heating is prohibited, including certified wood stoves and fireplaces. Homes that use wood burning as their only source of heat, however, are exempt, according to the Southwest Clean Air Agency.
Stagnant air, cold nights and clear skies have pushed levels of fine-particulate matter upward this week, according to the clean air agency. Similar conditions are expected during the next few days, with the trend possibly worsening Sunday and Monday, officials said.
The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air. Such conditions can be particularly problematic for people with heart and lung issues, children and adults over the age of 65, according to the clean air agency.
The burn ban will continue until conditions improve, officials said.
