As western Washington remains locked in freezing temperatures, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), West Thurston Fire and Thurston County Emergency Management have urged residents to voluntarily curtail outdoor burning to protect public health and avoid stricter regulations.
The agencies cautioned that a formal burn ban could be implemented across the county without action. That could eventually restrict residents from using woodstoves to stay warm.
“As a result of those continued cold nights, many residents more frequently use their woodstoves. We certainly want folks to stay safe and warm, while also protecting our air quality,” ORCAA said in a press release on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
ORCAA stated that a Stage 1 burn ban might be inevitable if residents do not act voluntarily.
“By limiting the amount of outdoor burning occurring, ORCAA hopes to avoid having to call an official burn ban,” the statement read. “During a Stage 1 ban, residents would have to curtail their use of (woodstoves) for home heating. In short, curbing outdoor burning now will mean residents can continue to use their (woodstoves) to stay warm and safe.”
The statement elaborated on the health risks associated with wood smoke.
According to experts, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted by burning wood may infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream. This may present risks to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
“That means that exposure to wood smoke may cause breathing problems. It may also increase the severity of existing lung disease, such as asthma. Smoke also has been shown to aggravate heart and vascular disease,” the statement explained.
To protect air quality, ORCAA has temporarily suspended land clearing burn permits across its six-county region.
“ORCAA has also curtailed all land clearing burning in our six-county region during this cold weather event to further protect local air quality. When conditions improve, we’ll reopen burn permits,” the agency confirmed, which also received support from West Thurston Fire and Thurston County Emergency Management.
Meanwhile, the agencies also encouraged residents to consider eco-friendly alternatives to burning yard waste, such as composting or chipping.
The methods mentioned can transform waste into nutrient-rich soil additives, which produces ground cover that blocks weeds and improves drainage.
Authorities also explained that only natural vegetation gathered on-site is permitted for burning. Burning garbage, debris or using burn barrels remains strictly prohibited under state law.
The statement included a firm reminder about illegal burning practices.
“Please keep in mind that burning trash is ILLEGAL at all times throughout Washington,” the statement said.
Further guidance is available at ORCAA Outdoor Burning, where residents can find information on composting, chipping and other alternatives to burning.
Burn permits and additional details are also accessible on the ORCAA website.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
The_Armed_Gardener
Well, start enforcement in the jungle. Just step up from your desk and walk 500 yards to the wetland you won't let anyone have permits to build on. Can you smell it? Take a walk and see it, smell it, *** it, drug up, and bathe in your creation.
Friday, January 24 Report this
The_Armed_Gardener
You blocked out the caring, romantic word "***" with *** which is an attack on the rainbow community. Why? You can have *** in the Jungle or drugs, that's a given. Stay on point. We are talking about staying warm and burning garbage to survive the cold in Thurston County.
Friday, January 24 Report this
JW
Better make sure I get my burning in during this time.
Saturday, January 25 Report this
Southsoundguy
Get rid of this stupid organization, it has no real power.
Monday, January 27 Report this