The Southwest Clean Air Agency issued on Thursday a Stage 1 burn ban effective immediately for all of Clark, Cowlitz and Lewis counties.
That prohibits use of fireplaces and wood stoves that do not meet certification standards. However, if burning wood is your only source of heat, you are exempt, according to a news release issued by the clean air agency.
“Clark County is already experiencing a high level of air pollution from wood burning, and pollution levels are rising in Cowlitz and Lewis counties as well,” Jackie Brown, an air quality specialist, said in the release. “We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until our air quality improves.”
On cold nights with little wind, wood smoke pollution can accumulate to unhealthy levels. Air quality forecasters predict stagnation through Jan. 5. A Stage 2 ban, which prohibits use of certified wood stoves, could be instituted if air conditions worsen.
For clean-burning suggestions, visit http://www.swcleanair.org/burnclean.html. Tips include burning only dry, clean wood, small fires and tamping down smoldering fires.
