Whatcom residents asked to refrain from burning wood

Whatcom County residents are being asked to refrain from burning wood indoors and outdoors through Monday, Jan. 4, as this area goes through an air stagnation advisory period.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency said in a news release that while the air quality isn’t expected to be bad enough for a burn ban, it is expected to be worse than usual because of a temperature inversion that will take place in the region. The National Weather Service issued the air stagnation advisory starting Wednesday night.

In some areas with a higher density of wood stoves, like the Columbia Valley in northeast Whatcom County, the air quality is expected to be considerably worse than other places, according to the agency. Smoke from any fire contains particle pollution that can lead to a number of health problems, including coughing and asthma attacks.

The agency said that where wood heat is the only option, it is asking residents to burn as cleanly as possible. Tips for a clean burn include using only dry wood, burn a small hot fire, fully extinguish a smoldering fire and consider using manufactured logs.

The clean air agency also has online gauges for residents who want to see the latest update on air quality in different regions of the county. As of Tuesday afternoon, air quality remained good across the county.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Whatcom residents asked to refrain from burning wood."