The weather is dry and people are staying at home because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is leading to an increase in outdoor burning and in smoke that impacts local air quality.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency urges you to avoid burning materials outdoors at this time. Increased smoke in the air puts people with existing lung and heart problems at further risk, including those infected with the coronavirus.
It also adds to the workload of first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Local fire departments and other first responders are doing everything they can to protect their own health so that they are ready to protect others.
Remember – outdoor burning is illegal inside city limits and urban growth areas throughout the state. If you have questions, see https://nwcleanairwa.gov/permits-and-services/outdoor-and-agricultural-burning/.
More information
- Local air quality information: Northwest Clean Air Agency.
- Statewide air quality monitoring: Washington Department of Ecology.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state and local air quality regulations in Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. In addition to permitting and regulating industrial sources of air pollution, the agency provides services and information related to asbestos, indoor air quality, outdoor burning, woodstoves and fireplaces. More information about the agency is available at https://nwcleanairwa.gov/.