



(WHATCOM COUNTY)- The Northwest Clean Air Agency has canceled a Stage 2 air quality burn ban that started Jan. 22 in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County, according to a news release from the agency.
Air quality has improved at this time, but NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor wood burning as much as possible to avoid another burn ban in the near future.
Burn bans are based on weather forecasts and current air pollution from small particles. They are called when air quality is predicted to be worse than the national health-based standard for at least 24 hours.
Fine particles in wood smoke are harmful because they can be inhaled deeply into lungs and damage delicate tissues. Smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults age 65 and older.