People in Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties are being asked to refrain from burning wood this week because of stagnant air that is lowering air quality.
The National Weather Service expects a stagnant air mass to linger over the area into the early part of next week. The weather pattern is likely to cause hazardous conditions in Columbia Valley, where air quality is often worse because nearby mountains trap pollution close to the ground, according to the Northwest Clean Air Agency. When conditions are hazardous, people should stay indoors with windows and doors closed and limit physical activity.
Based on monitors in Bellingham and Anacortes, the agency is forecasting air quality may remain in the moderate range in some areas during this period. Sensitive groups with lung or heart disease, diabetes or respiratory infections, and people who have had a stroke should consider limiting outdoor activity.
Where wood is the only option, people should burn as cleanly as possible
For more information and resources, go online to nwcleanair.org.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.