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.