BELLINGHAM – The Northwest Clean Air Agency is urging Columbia Valley residents in Whatcom County to avoid or limit burning wood for heat through the weekend because elevated smoke levels are impacting local air quality.
Air monitors showed elevated levels of fine particles overnight Thursday through Friday morning in the Columbia Valley.
Cold temperatures and stagnant air conditions are expected to last through into Monday morning. Burning wood for home heating – especially when it’s not done correctly – can produce smoke pollution that’s harmful to you, your family and your neighbors.
Fine particles in smoke, vehicle exhaust and other sources are harmful because they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues.
People who are sensitive to air pollution should limit time spent outdoors depending on how air quality affects them.
Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults age 65 and older.
More information
- Current local air quality: Northwest Clean Air Agency.
- Current statewide air quality: Washington Department of Ecology.
- Health effects of air pollution: American Lung Association of Washington.
- Videos on proper wood burning: Northwest Clean Air’s YouTube channel.