Increased outdoor burning affecting air quality in Whatcom County and beyond

With most people in Whatcom County staying home to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, outdoor burning has greatly increased impacting the air quality in the area, according to a news release.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency is currently discouraging any outdoor burning in Island, Skagit and Whatcom Counties until further notice.

With the increase of smoke in the air, those with existing lung and heart complications are put at further risk, especially those suffering from symptoms of COVID-19. Not only does it hurt people with underlying conditions, but also first responders, according to the agency.

Local fire departments and medical personnel are trying to help those suffering from COVID-19 while maintaining their own personal health. Unnecessary outdoor burning puts those frontline workers at further risk of exposure, according to the release.

Air quality readings for Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden/Custer were still good on the Northwest Clean Air Agency website Thursday, April 9. Ratings in Columbia Valley reached unhealthy in the last week.

Outdoor burning remains illegal within city limits and urban growth areas throughout the entire state of Washington. More local air quality information is available from the Northwest Clear Air Agency and statewide air quality monitoring is conducted by the Washington Department of Ecology.