7/16/2014 New fires leading to new smoke

Some of the lightning strikes from Sunday and Monday are developing into full blown wildfires and air quality is deteriorating in various places around the state.   Fire managers and air quality experts are working to get a good picture of what all is happening and will continue to provide forecasts and updates on this site to help keep citizens informed of air quality conditions and risks.

The seriousness of the situation is reflected by the Governor's declaration of a State of Emergency in 20 Eastern Washington counties.

Air Quality Advisory 7/16/14 11:00 am

Air Quality Advisory Wednesday 11 am

 

Leavenworth “Unhealthy”

Wenatchee “Moderate”

Chelan “Good”

 

When air quality is in the unhealthy range everyone is at risk of being affected by the smoke. Outdoor physical activities should be cancelled. At this point you should limit exposure to outside air and do not do anything that would increase your breathing rate, people should avoid any exertion.

In your vehicle use the recycle mode on your interior air system.  If possible, go to an area unaffected by the wildfire smoke until the smoke clears, especially if you are having symptoms like headaches, dizziness or nausea or having increased respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath.

Keep windows closed. Limit time outdoors. If you are having significant problems talk to your health care provider.

 

When air quality is in the moderate range the people most impacted are those with underlying conditions like asthma, lung diseases or heart disease, the very young or very old. Limit time outdoors and limit physical exertion to very short periods until air quality improves.

Air quality forecast, Tuesday 15 July 2014

Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

 

Some localized heavy rain, lightning strikes and new fires were all packaged in with Monday’s weather. As the low pressure system responsible for all that departs the region, it is sucking some smoke from fires in British Columbia over north central and northeastern Washington today. Most but not all of this smoke is expected to stay aloft, partially obscure visibility and cause pretty sunsets.

 

Tuesday (15 July) and Wednesday will be hot through much of eastern Washington. Air quality has stayed between Good to Moderate in most areas. As Janice states below, smoke from the Mills Canyon fire might increase temporarily today. Winds are expected to drive the smoke south and southeast, well into the Columbia Basin. Entiat, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Yakima and Tri Cities are likely to see some smoke. In addition new fires between Goldendale and Lyle in Klickitat County are likely to blow some smoke into the southern Columbia Basin.

 

On Wednesday and Thursday winds turn westerly so smoke will likely blow across the basin into Idaho. Things cool down a bit by Friday and winds turn southwesterly. While the new fire starts are still being investigated, it is possible that some fires in northern Oregon will begin to impact sections of south central and southeast Washington by Friday.

 

Air quality in eastern Washington through Friday 18 July is likely to vary between Good and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

 

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through Wednesday evening for much of eastern Washington, and a Fire Weather Watch through Thursday evening for the western part of the Columbia Basin. Please check these links for details and necessary precautions.

 

Thanks.

 

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Ranil Dhammapala, PhD.

Atmospheric Scientist

Washington State Department of Ecology

P.O Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600

Tel: 360-407-6807

Fax: 360-407-7534

Email: ranil.dhammapala@ecy.wa.gov

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7/15/2014 Planned Burnout on Mill Canyon Fire for 10am Today (Tuesday) could increase smoke in the area

Air quality forecast, Friday 11 July 2014

Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

 

The Mills Canyon fire has grown to over 18,000 acres now and there are reports of a few new fires in Chelan county. As of 1PM today, the new air quality monitor at Entiat is showing Unhealthy air. Air quality in Leavenworth and Wenatchee have been hovering between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Due to the absence of south winds, Chelan has mostly been spared of smoke thus far. Some smoke drifted eastward over north-central Washington, but has mostly stayed aloft.

 

Overhead smoke might in fact trim a few degrees off blistering daytime temperatures in some areas over the next few days. Cities near the fires including Entiat, Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan will continue to see periodic smoke impacts at ground level. Winds will be weak to moderate, mostly driven by local terrain. Smoke is unlikely to blow far into the Columbia basin but could push up against the Cascades through Sunday and may even cause some hazy conditions just west of the Cascade crest. However no significant smoke is expected in western Washington.

 

There is a chance of some dry lightning on Sunday night into Monday in the northern mountains of Washington. The heat wave is set to continue through Wednesday at least.

 

As an aside, some users might have noticed intermittent discrepancies in colors shown on the map of air quality monitors above, and those reported on the Department of Ecology's official page. This is because Ecology’s method of calculating the air quality category (i.e. “Good”, “Moderate”, Unhealthy” etc) is more protective of public health than the method used by EPA. Please contact me if you’d like further details.

 

Have a nice weekend!

 

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Ranil Dhammapala, PhD.

Atmospheric Scientist

Washington State Department of Ecology

P.O Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600

Tel: 360-407-6807

Fax: 360-407-7534

Email: ranil.dhammapala@ecy.wa.gov

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7/11/2014 Monitor now in place in Entiat

A portable, temporary air monitor is now in place on the roof of the high school in Entiat and has been collecting samples since Thursday afternoon.  The values shown in the graphic below are 1-hour averages (which do not convert directly to health warning categories but we're working on it).

Also, the display times (shown along the bottom of the graph) are in "Coordinated Universal Time" or UTC so you need to subtract 7 hours to get local time (Pacific Daylight Time).  So for example, the peak reading from the instrument was recorded at 07:00 UTC which would translate to midnight last night local time.

The peak value was about 130 µg/m3 (micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter of air).  These readings certainly reveal smoky conditions in Entiat!  More specific health warnings to follow as this new data is analysed by our experts.  In the short term, please contact Chelan/Douglas Health District or a medical professional if you have specific concerns about heath effects from the smoke.

7/9/2014 Portable Air Monitor on it's way to Entiat

The Forest Service has ordered a portable air monitor and will set it up in Entiat later this afternoon to add information for a community that is not currently represented by the state monitoring network.  We should begin receiving values from it by this evening some time.  We are also watching for other communities or areas that may be impacted by smoke but are not represented by current monitoring and can get additional monitors if needed.  Stay tuned for updates.

Smoky Conditions July 9

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY

 

Smoky Conditions in Some Areas near or Downwind from the Mills Canyon Fire

Chelan Douglas Health District and the Department of Ecology are monitoring the local air quality conditions as fire season begins. Air quality throughout parts of Chelan and Douglas Counties is presently being impacted by the fire near Entiat.  However, air quality conditions vary greatly between locations and most areas are smoke free.

In smoky conditions, individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma and emphysema, the elderly, and children should limit or avoid any outdoor activity.  Sensitive people are advised to remain indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid excessive exertion, and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke or other respiratory irritants. 

Visiting an area that is not being impacted by smoke can be helpful if you are experiencing symptoms. Adverse symptoms may include dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, coughing, excessive phlegm, and nausea.  Conditions may not adversely affect the general population.  For specific medical advice contact your physician.

More information is available concerning air quality and current fire conditions at the following websites:

Ecology:                     https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/

Forest Service:           http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Air quality forecast, Wednesday 9 July 2014

Air Quality forecast, Wednesday 9 July 2014
Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

As Janice noted below, the Mills Canyon fire near Entiat is creating a lot of smoke. Satellites have detected a fire near Quincy but it appears much smaller than the one near Entiat. The last few frames of the visible satellite imagery on Tuesday night suggest that smoke from the Mills Canyon fire blew across Entiat, Ephrata and Moses Lake. The passage of a dry front this morning may have helped prevent a worse buildup of smoke, even though some smoke still lingers on.

Weather and air quality forecast models suggest that smoke is likely to impact these areas again later today & tomorrow. Smoke will also blow further into the Columbia basin on Thursday. Wenatchee and East Wenatchee might see some smoke early Thursday AM & night. Winds turn east on Friday and Saturday, which might bring some clearing to the Basin, but will push smoke up against the Cascades. Chelan and Stehekin could potentially see some smoke on Friday & Saturday.

In spite of east winds, the smoke from the Mills Canyon fire is not expected to impact Western WA over the next few days.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning, as dry, windy conditions develop in the Columbia basin now through this evening. These can cause fires to spread rapidly.

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=red%20flag%20warning

We are expecting a strong ridge of high pressure that could lead to a 4+ day hot spell starting Saturday. Does not bode well for fire safety nor smoke dispersion.

Smoke dispersion forecasts will be made available as necessary.

Thanks.

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Ranil Dhammapala, PhD.
Atmospheric Scientist
Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Tel: 360-407-6807
Fax: 360-407-7534
Email: ranil.dhammapala@ecy.wa.gov
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07/09/2014 Mills Canyon Fire 5000 Acres and Growing

The Mills Canyon Fire outside of Entiat is heating up today and sending some smoke into the area.  Air quality at the monitoring sites seems to be fine or just lightly impacted at the moment.  There is recent news of another fire near Quincy and a couple of other small ones in Douglas and Grant Counties.  There is currently a bump in air pollution levels (to Moderate) in Moses Lake.  The satellite image below (taken yesterday - July 8) shows smoke from the Mills Canyon fire.

General info on the Mills Canyon Fire:

U.S. FOREST SERVICE FIRE UPDATE

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

215 Melody Lane

Wenatchee, WA 98801

Date: July 9, 2014 – 8:00 a.m.

Contacts: Mick Mueller, 509-664-9314

                

Mills Canyon Fire Update

               Entiat—The Mills Canyon Fire, located approximately four miles west of Entiat, is now estimated to be upwards of 5000 acres.  Firefighters from Washington Department of Natural Resources, Chelan County Fire Districts and U.S. Forest Service have worked through the night on the fire. 

An Evacuation Level 3 is in effect for Mills Canyon and Dinkleman Canyon and an Evacuation Level 2 from milepost 1.5 on the Entiat River Road to Dinkleman Canyon has been issued by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department. Evacuation Level 1 notices have been issued for Swakane Canyon, Sherman Canyon and US 97A from Swakane to Entiat River Road.

LEVEL 1—A level 1 Evacuation means alert. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, and monitor local media outlets for information.

LEVEL 2—A Level 2 Evacuation means be ready. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment’s notice.

                    LEVEL 3—A Level 3 Evacuation means leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately.

Approximately two hundred and fifty firefighters and fifteen fire engines are battling the blaze located on private, DNR and Forest Service lands. Three air tankers from Moses Lake, a heavy helicopter and three medium helicopters have been dispatched to the fire to assist ground resources now on scene at the fire.

The fire started Tuesday afternoon around 12:20 and is burning in grass, brush and timber stringers in drainages. The topography is very steep terrain.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A shelter has been set up for anyone displaced by the fire at the Entiat High School at 2650 Entiat Way in Entiat. A Washington Incident Management Team will also set up an Incident Command Post at that location this morning and take over command of the fire.

6/27/14 Hay Canyon Fire Update

  U.S. FOREST SERVICE FIRE UPDATE

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

215 Melody Lane

Wenatchee, WA 98801

Date: June 26, 2014 – 5 p.m.
Contacts: Robin DeMario, 509-664-9292

Hay Canyon Fire Update

Wenatchee—The Hay Canyon Fire, located approximately two miles north of Cashmere, is now estimated to be 300 acres. Firefighters completed burnout operations and were able to construct a fireline around the entire fire.

Islands of burning fuels remain in the interior of the fire and smoke will be visible in the fire area for the next few days. Isolated rain showers fell over portions of the fire this afternoon.

Evacuation Level 2 is in effect and will be reduced to Level 1 by late evening. The road closure has been lifted and no structures have burned.

Today’s firefighting resources included three 20-person crews, two fire engines and a helicopter that delivered water as needed. Firefighters will be patrolling the fire tonight and crews will return on Friday to continue mop-up operations.

The fire started late Wednesday afternoon and is burning in grass, brush and timber in very steep terrain. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On Wednesday, two firefighters sustained minor injuries when they were struck by rolling rocks; no further injuries have occurred.

Resources:

Keep tabs on burn bans.
Real time air quality information
More Wildfire Smoke health information

6/25/2014 Burn Ban in Parts of Kittitas County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2014

An extreme fire hazard currently exists in various parts of Kittitas County due to high temperatures, lowering relative humidity and low fuel moisture content of 10, 100 and 1,000 hr fuels.

As of Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at 12:00 pm, a burn ban is in effect in the following areas of Kittitas County:

Fire District 1, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, Fire District 6, Fire District 7 and the City of Kittitas.

All burning, including recreational fires and briquette barbeques are prohibited in the above listed Fire Districts, with the following exceptions:

·        Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue allows small cook fires no greater than 2’ x 3’ in diameter, with prior approval of the Fire Chief.  Agricultural burning permits issued by Department of Ecology are still allowed when approved by the Fire Chief. 

·        The burn ban does not include Fire District 4 (Vantage area), Fire District 3 (Easton), Fire District 8 (Kachess) or Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue. 

Agricultural burning approved and permitted through the Department of Ecology is allowed with prior approval of the local fire district.

The City of Kittitas has requested that the County include their jurisdiction within the burn ban.

#  #  #

2014 Wildfire Season Off To An Early Start

Three wildfire starts in the last 72 hours in Washington indicate that wildfire season may arrive early this year.  The Malaga fire, just 7 miles SE of Wenatchee, was the largest at about 1,200 acres.  It’s now fully contained and the cause is under investigation.

If a large wildfire with serious smoke impacts occurs, we will begin posting smoke and air quality updates to this blog.  In the meantime, remember that many wildfires are human caused so be careful with fire.  And watch for burn bans in your area.  A good place to find out where burn bans have been issued is here:  http://waburnbans.net/ 

Questions?  We’re happy to help, just type your question at the “Post a Comment” link below.

10-01-2013 Smoke Blog Now Deactivated

10-01-2013 Smoke Blog Now Deactivated

Due to lessening wildfire risk, this Washington Smoke Information Blog has been deactivated.  It will be available again next fire season if needed.  In the meantime, the best place to learn about current air quality conditions in Washington is from the Department of Ecology at this site: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/

The goal of this blog is to provide coordinated, timely and public “one-stop information” so that individuals can make informed decisions to protect their health during periods when wildfire smoke is impacting the public.  During a wildfire smoke incident, this blog will be used to provide links to critical information that the public may be concerned about, such as air quality conditions and forecasts, school and activity closures, burn bans, location of clean air shelters, and travel restrictions due to visibility. Information posted on the blog is coordinated by an informal team of state, federal, tribal and local agencies striving to provide consistent and accurate information during air quality smoke incidents from wildfires.

The links on this blog that connect to the various agencies that provide information on smoke, wildfire and health management will continue to work.

We would like to hear from you if you have questions or comments.  Please contact Janice Peterson at jlpeterson@ fs.fed.us

Thank you for your interest.

Wildfire Smoke Forecast

Washington State Department of Ecology

3:45 pm PDT Thursday, 22 August 2013

 

Fire facts from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center

Manastash Ridge WA-OWF-000619. ICT3 (McPhee) 24 mi W of Ellensburg, WA. Start 8/20/2013. Full Suppression. Timber. Cause lightning. 425 acres (+225). 0% containment. Steep terrain, difficult access. Private property remains threatened. Moderate fire behavior. Area and trail closures are in effect. Previously reported as Manastash.

Government Flats Complex OR-954S-000022. Unified Command. IMT2 ODF (Thorpe/Cline) and OSFM (Ingrao). 10 mi SW of The Dalles, OR. Start 8/16/2013. Full Suppression. Timber. Cause lightning. 9,600 (+2,875)ac. 15% containment. FEMA declaration on 8/17 at 1200. Active fire behavior. Values at risk include residences, power lines, The Dalles Water Treatment Center and Evans Reservoir. Level 2 evacuations and road closures are in effect. Includes 3 fires: Blackburn 9,305 (+2,875)ac 16%, Government Flats 229ac (+0)ac 100%, Wells 66 (+0)ac 100%.

Eagle WA-OWF-000616. IMT2 (Rabe). 5 mi NE of Leavenworth, WA. Start 8/19/2013. Full Suppression. Grass and timber. Cause under investigation. 790 acres (+490). 10% containment. Active fire behavior. Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect. Values at risk include structures, power lines, commercial timber, and T&E species. State Fire Mobilization authorized 8/20.

Conrad Lake WA-OWF-000530. IMT2 (Allbee). 35 mi SW of Naches-S Fork Tieton, WA. Start 8/9/2013. Full Suppression. Timber. Cause lightning. 980 acres (+0). 22% containment. Minimal fire activity. Values at risk include structures, natural and cultural resources. Tentative transition to local unit 8/23.

            For updated "Significant Fire" details, visit InciWeb or the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) at http://www.nwccweb.us/index.aspx.

 

            AIR QUALITY:

Most communities in Washington have Good air quality.  Several communities along the eastern edge of Washington from Spokane south to Clarkston have Moderate air quality.  Some areas in Yakima county also have Moderate air quality.  The area of biggest concern is the Wenatchee-Leavenworth area where smoke from the Eagle fire has produced Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality.

Statewide air quality index readings are available at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.htm

 

            SMOKE DISPERSION FORECAST:

Wildfire smoke dispersion depends on the stability of the atmosphere and wind speed.  A stable atmosphere reduces the height that a plume will reach and will tend to trap smoke near the ground.  Unstable atmospheres, created by either sunlight warming the ground or moderate wind speeds, rapidly disperse smoke.

            FRIDAY:

The low, currently over northwestern California, will track northeasterly to cross the Central Washington Cascades Friday morning.  In the process, it will open up and lose much of its strength, producing only light amounts of precipitation.  The Haines Index, values greater than four indicate strong convection and possible lightning, drops below three Thursday evening and remains there through the weekend.  The Leavenworth area should see some light precipitation early Friday morning and temperatures should be as much as ten degrees cooler.  Friday morning southwest winds should begin moving smoke northeastward across the Columbia Basin and push away any that intruded from wildfires in Idaho.

Winds along the Columbia are predicted to be westerly and should keep smoke from the Government Flats Complex away from Southern Washington.

            EXTENDED OUTLOOK:

An upper level trough will move in closer to the state from off the coast over the weekend and early next week bringing cooler temperatures and more clouds. Sufficient precipitation is forecasted on Friday and again on Tuesday to reduce the likelihood of additional fire starts from lightning.

That precipitation should also reduce the amount of smoke.  Most areas of the state should return to Good air quality.  Leavenworth may continue to have Moderate air quality because of smoke from the nearby Eagle fire.

            Updated Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) chart

Air Quality Alert Wenatchee Area 8/20/13

Re:  Smoke in the Air MODERATE in Wenatchee Area

Air quality throughout parts of Chelan and Douglas Counties is presently being impacted by the fire near Leavenworth. Air quality will likely continue to deteriorate.  Smoke is originating from fires near Eagle Creek.  Air quality conditions will also vary greatly between locations.

During these conditions, individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma and emphysema, the elderly, and children should limit or avoid any outdoor activity.  Sensitive people are advised to remain indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid excessive exertion, and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke or other respiratory irritants. 

Adverse symptoms may include dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, coughing, excessive phlegm, and nausea.  Conditions may not adversely affect the general population.  For specific medical advice contact your physician.

More information is available concerning air quality and current fire conditions at the following websites:

Ecology:                     https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/

Forest Service:            http://inciweb.org/

Real-time webcams:   www.wenatcheeworld.com

Wildfire smoke forecast: 9 August 2013

Mostly "Good" air quality expected over the weekend, but...

 

Statewide air quality monitors have been showing Good air quality over the last several days. Though the Colockum Tarps Fire southeast of Wenatchee is the only major active wildfire at present (80,000+ acres, 75% contained) other smaller fires have been reported, mostly on the east slopes of the Cascades. Smoke impacts from these fires are likely to be limited to nearby areas.

 

A low pressure system approaching from the southeast is due to affect our state starting Friday evening into Sunday. A red flag warning for thunderstorms, lightning and possible new fire starts has been issued for areas both east and west of the Cascades. A flash flood watch has also been issued for the east slopes of the Cascades, as rainfall is predicted to increase as the weekend progresses. Areas near burn scars are particularly susceptible to flash floods.

 

While the strong winds accompanying this sort of weather generally helps disperse smoke quite well, it does not rule out smoke impacts close to the fires. There is a possibility that a little smoke from Idahoan wildfires could impact the far eastern parts of the state. By Sunday, models hint that a bit of smoke from wildfires in southwestern Oregon could get dragged over south-central WA.

 

Overall, expect air quality to remain "Good" in most areas through the weekend. A few "Moderate" areas cannot be ruled out.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

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Ranil Dhammapala, PhD.

Atmospheric Scientist

Washington State Department of Ecology

P.O Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600

Tel: 360-407-6807

Fax: 360-407-7534

Email: ranil.dhammapala@ecy.wa.gov

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8/7/2013 EPA Lifts Burn Ban for Yakama Reservation

EPA Lifts Burn Ban for Yakama Reservation
Contact:
Gary Olson, 206-553-0977, olson.gary@epa.gov
Keith Rose, 206-553-1949, rose.keith@epa.gov

(Seattle—August 7,2013) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lifted the burn ban on all outdoor burning on the Yakama Reservation. Wildfire smoke that had caused the air quality to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups is under control and the air quality monitor readings are in the more normal range.

Please call 1-800-424-4EPA and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm.

NOTES TO MEDIA: Please repeat this message throughout your broadcasting day and weather portions of your newscast.

  

Gary Olson

EPA R-10

Suite 900 ,AWT-107

1200 6th AVE

Seattle, WA 98101

206-553-0977

8/6/2013 Burnout operations on Colockum Tarps Fire could increase smoke output

A "burn-out" is a useful tool for gaining control of a wildfire and preventing it from spreading out-of-control.  Firefighters on Colockum Tarps plan to use this technique of controlled use of fire to create buffer areas in the coming days.  This may result in some extra smoke and emissions in the area of the wildfire, especially along the west perimeter.  

Lower humidity optimum for burn-out operations on the 

west perimeter of the Colockum Tarps Fire

Wenatchee, Wash. – Fire managers found a window of opportunity yesterday afternoon to initiate burn-out operations in Division C on the west flank of the Colockum Tarps Fire. Relative humidity dropped enough for a successful test burn. Fire crews then started igniting along prepared, reinforced firelines to remove unburned ground fuels and create a blackened strip. The burned area was patrolled by crews throughout the night.

Today firefighters are expected to continue burnout along the west fire perimeter to create a continuous broad buffer. Once the blackened line area is sufficiently wide and cool, burnout of more interior fuels will proceed using aerial ignition techniques. Aerial ignition uses ping-pong-ball-like spheres filled with chemicals that, once ejected from an aircraft, ignite after hitting the ground. The spheres are spread in pattern intended to burn out large areas yet avoid undue damage. Aerial application is useful for burning out areas too steep or inaccessible for firefighters to safely enter.  Aerial ignition is likely to be implemented within the next 36 hours when the reinforced fireline is ready and weather conditions are right to obtain the intended result.

More details area available here: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/3567/19781/

And here: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3567/

Burn ban stage 1 continues until further notice for Yakima County

Effective: 12:00 p.m. PDT today, Monday, August 5, 2012:

The Pollution Control Officer for the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency declared a Stage 1 Burn Ban for both the Upper and Lower Yakima County areas last week, due to residual smoke originating from wildfires.

Air quality has improved over the weekend. However, the lower valley still experiencing higher concentration of fine particulates than normal (Moderate).

Because any outdoor burning in the Upper County area can adversely impact the Lower County area, the Stage 1 Burn Ban will continue until further notice in both areas. However, if conditions continue as expected, watch for us to lift the burn ban by Wednesday August 7, 2013.

·       PM2.5 Air Quality levels are into the Moderate (Yellow) level in the Lower County area, and

·       PM2.5 Air Quality levels are into the Good (Green) level for the Upper County area.

·       Agricultural Burn allocation are 0  piles per request for Upper and 0 for the Lower Today.

·       Dispersion for our jurisdiction is Poor to Poor.

·       Ventilation for our jurisdiction is Poor to Poor.

·       Wind speed  ~ North to Northwest at 6 mph, increasing to 10 mph at night.

Please Note:  Restrictions may differ within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation.  The Yakama Nation is addressing air quality issues in conjunction with the EPA, under the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR).  For up-to-date information there, please call 1-800-424-4EPA (1-800-424-4372) and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm .

 

For further information on wildfires in Washington State,  you can visit the Washington Smoke Blog at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

 

Reminder:

 During a Stage 1 Burn Ban:

1.   All Outdoor Burning, including Residential and Agricultural burning, is prohibited;

2.   Although few are using home heating this time of year,

a.   the use of any fireplace, uncertified wood stove or uncertified fireplace insert is prohibited unless it is the only adequate means of heating a home;

b.   No excessive smoke (over 20% opacity) is allowed from any wood burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up; and

3.   All violations of the burn ban are subject to civil penalty.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Hasan Tahat, Ph.D.

Engineering and Planning Division Supervisor

Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency

Tel:  (509) 834-2050 ext. 105

Fax: (509) 834-2060

E-mail:  hasan@yrcaa.org