July 2010Monthly Archives

Fire-Safety Burn Bans now in effect throughout region

Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning.

Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans are now in effect throughout ORCAA’s jurisdiction

Prohibitions on residential outdoor burning are now in effect in Jefferson, Clallam and Thurston Counties. Land Clearing burning is now prohibited in all six ORCAA counties (Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific and Thurston) due to a summer-long ban called state-wide by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

These seasonal bans continue through the summer.

The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer and early autumn has resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past couple years, according to fire officials.

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July 16, 2010
Burn Status, Health, News and Information, Upcoming Events
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Seasonal Fire-Safety Burn Bans impact all 6 counties

Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning.

Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans take effect this month.

Prohibitions on residential outdoor burning are now in effect in Jefferson, Clallam and Thurston Counties. All land clearing burning is prohibited in all six ORCAA counties (Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific and Thurston) due in part to a state-wide ban called by DNR for July 1-September 30.

These seasonal bans continue through the summer.

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July 16, 2010
Burn Status, News and Information
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DNR bans burning state-wide for summer

ORCAA Supports Fire-Safety Ban

Outdoor burning causes significant amounts of air pollution, but it is the fire danger associated with burning that has prompted bans on outdoor burning in many counties in Washington.

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) supports the local fire agencies, as well as the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) anytime those agencies issue a fire-safety burn ban. ORCAA will not issue land clearing burning permits in counties in which fire-safety burn bans have been called.

Today, DNR announced there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands starting July 15, 2010 through September 30, 2010. This means all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. Because ORCAA supports all DNR curtailments, this means all land clearing burning in ORCAA’s six county jurisdiction (Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific and Thurston) will be prohibited beginning July 15 and lasting at least until September 30.

“The threat of wildfires from escaped outdoor burning is high during the summer months due to unusual fire danger,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Wildfires are dangerous for people and property and result in large expenditures of public funding that can be avoided through prudent actions to prevent them.”

While the primary reason for the current bans are to reduce wildfire risks, ORCAA encourages everyone to use this as an opportunity to explore safe, reasonable alternatives to outdoor burning. Alternatives include:

  • Use a mulching mower to reduce or eliminate grass clippings.
  • Chip and/or compost your yard and garden debris.
  • Haul your yard and garden debris to a community composting facility

Residents should also be aware that burning any form of garbage – including paper –is prohibited at all times by state law. Burn barrels are also illegal everywhere in Washington state.

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July 12, 2010
Burn Status, Health, News and Information, Upcoming Events
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Weather Pattern Leads to Smog Concerns

Residents Asked to Help Protect Air Quality

The high-pressure system over western Washington pushing temperatures into the 90s this week may also create unhealthful levels of air pollution.

Stagnant weather and high temperatures bring rising air pollution levels, especially smog-producing ozone. Smog develops quickly as the sun bakes the ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in emissions from gas and diesel-powered engines.  The strong inversion layer created by the high-pressure system keeps that pollution trapped on the ground where it poses significant health risks.

Because of concerns over degrading air quality, the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) asks residents to take a few simple steps to reduce their contributions to the air pollution problem:

  • Refuel vehicles in the cooler evening hours to minimize release of fuel vapors.
  • Don’t use gasoline-powered gardening and yard-care equipment.
  • Carpool, walk or ride the bus to work, events and outings.
  • Drive your most fuel-efficient car, and combine errands into one trip.
  • Make sure your car is properly tuned-up and tires are inflated to the correct levels – this increases you car’s efficiency.

ORCAA also strongly discourages all outdoor burning in the region until conditions improve. Yard waste and land clearing burns add both VOCs and particulate matter (PM) pollution to the air, contributing to the overall degradation of air quality.

A change in weather will be needed to restore cleaner air quality, but the current weather pattern is expected to remain unchanged until the weekend at least. Check air-quality forecasts and current conditions by clicking on the “Air Quality” tab above.

To learn about the health effects of air pollution, check out the American Lung Association of Washington’s Web site at www.alaw.org.

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July 7, 2010
Health, News and Information
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Seasonal Fire-Safety Burn Bans Begin

Residents who have yard waste to dispose of should look into clean alternatives to burning. Alternatives such as chipping and composting help keep our air clean and healthful. Those alternatives can also be used all summer, unlike burning.

Because of wildfire and public safety concerns in our wooded counties, seasonal burn bans take effect this month.

Prohibitions on outdoor burning in Jefferson and Clallam Counties begins today (July 1) while Thurston County bans burning beginning July 15.

These seasonal bans continue through the summer.

The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer and early autumn has resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past couple years, according to fire officials.

To stay up-to-date on the status of burn bans, please register for the ORCAA email news alerts HERE or simply visit this site regularly for news and information our region’s air quality issues.

Check current burn status here

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July 1, 2010
Burn Status, News and Information, Upcoming Events
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