The Multnomah County Health Department today issued a YELLOW air quality advisory asking people to avoid burning wood on Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. The Health Department issued this advisory due to stagnant air conditions in the area that are expected to continue through the weekend.
Weather conditions are creating stagnant air that can trap pollutants. This air can be unhealthy to breathe. Sensitive groups such as children and those with respiratory disease may be affected more than others.
To help protect you, your family and our community, the Health Department asks that people voluntarily limit unnecessary burning until this advisory has been lifted. This includes use of fireplaces, wood stoves and outdoor burning by businesses and individuals.
This advisory does not apply to cooking.
If wood is your only source of heat, you can still heat your home with wood.
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If you must burn, follow these four easy steps to help reduce output of harmful wood smoke:
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Burn dry, seasoned wood that has been split, stacked, covered and stored.
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Test wood with a moisture meter before burning (20% moisture or less is best).
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Use a cleaner-burning EPA or DEQ certified gas or wood stove.
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Burn small, hot fires. Provide sufficient air to the fire; never let it smolder.
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Learn more about what you can do to reduce wood smoke at www.epa.gov/burnwise.
The advisory will be lifted when monitoring and forecasting data show improved conditions.
Advisories are posted to /health/staying-healthy/wood-smoke-pollution.