Holly R Myers
Outdoor Burning Specialist
Air Quality Program
Central Regional Office
(509)454-7898
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-----Original Message-----
From: Kuper, Glenn (ECY) 
 
Subject: FW: Ecology News Release: Ecology Department issues statewide
air-quality advisory


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 9, 2005
05-293

Ecology Department issues statewide air-quality advisory

OLYMPIA - Due to air stagnation settling over the Pacific Northwest, the
state Department of Ecology is asking people in areas where burn bans
have not already been called to voluntarily refrain from outdoor burning
and unnecessary use of wood stoves and fireplaces.

	The National Weather Service has issued an Air Stagnation
Advisory for Eastern Washington until noon Monday and will issue a
similar advisory beginning at 5 p.m. today for most of Western
Washington, effective until at least Sunday night.

Poor to very poor air dispersion conditions are forecast to continue
through Sunday before a weak system may provide some dispersion on
Monday.

"We're asking people to avoid burning and other activities that create
smoke and air pollution if they can," said Ecology meteorologist Clint
Bowman. "Conditions will be problematic across the state over the
weekend." 

Of particular concern are fine particles released by smoke from outdoor
burning, wood stoves and fireplaces. This smoke is likely to accumulate,
especially in low-lying areas where a temperature inversion has trapped
a layer of cold air near the ground.  

Ecology officials said smoke and air pollution can aggravate asthma and
other medical conditions. Those who have had a heart attack, angina,
coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis are also more sensitive to air
pollution.  While the air-quality advisory is in effect, young children,
the elderly and people with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments
should consider limiting their outdoor activities until the air clears.


A burn ban has been in effect for Yakima County and the Yakama
Reservation since Tuesday.  The Environmental Protection Agency has also
called a burn ban on the Mucklesehoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Skokomish
and Squaxin Island Reservations.  

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency today called a mandatory ban on all
land clearing burning in four of the six counties within its region --
Clallam, Jefferson, Mason and Thurston counties.   A Stage One Burn Ban
is being called for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, effective at 5
p.m. today and continuing at least through the weekend.  In these
counties, no burning is allowed in uncertified wood stoves or
fireplaces, and all outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where
outdoor burning is not permanently banned.

Residents of populated regions throughout the state should monitor local
news media for information about additional voluntary or mandatory
woodstove restrictions.  If current conditions persist, local
authorities may impose mandatory restrictions in more areas.

Ecology also recommends that people limit their vehicle trips, combine
errands or use public transportation.  If burning wood is the only
source of heat, people should burn hot fires using dry wood to lessen
smoke emissions.

# # #

Contact:	Glenn Kuper, Public Information Manager, 360-407-6848


For more information: 

Ecology's Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov