An Air Stagnation Advisory has made today a “No Burn” day for Eastern Washington. The Department of Ecology says the daily burn decision for Ecology-regulated counties is determined by the regional office responsible for the county in question.
The Eastern Regional Office in Spokane is responsible for the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman. Call 509-329-3400 for questions concerning these counties.
The National Weather Service says an extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing, is expected until 3:00 p.m. on Monday in portions of eastern Washington and north-central Idaho.
“Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems,” NWS says. “People with respiratory illness should follow their physician’s advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods of stagnant air.”
“Cold and very dry air over the region will promote strong overnight inversions with poor mixing each afternoon. Concentrations of pollutants near the surface are expected to increase over time with the potential for degrading air quality. A weak weather system on Monday will bring increasing clouds with better ventilation and light precipitation arriving Tuesday,” NWS adds.
State air quality agencies highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood-burning devices be limited as much as possible during periods of air stagnation.
“According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe. Check with your local burn agency for any current restrictions in your area,” officials say.
More information on air quality: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=
