Burn Ban Downgrade? Yes, as Freezing Fog, Bad Air Chokes Yakima

Although the forecast for the Yakima Valley continues to call for areas of patchy, freezing fog, calm winds, and cool temperatures, the air quality is apparently improving.

The Yakima Clean Air Agency has some good news.

Yakima Clean Air Agency Downgrades Stage 2 Burn Ban

As of Wednesday morning, the Yakima Clean Air Agency reports:

Due to improving air quality conditions, the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has downgraded the current Stage 2 Burn Ban to a Stage 1 Burn Ban for all of Yakima County. *Please Note: Restrictions may differ within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation. This Ban will remain in effect until further notice.

 

What is Prohibited Under a Stage One Burn Ban in Yakima County?

According to the YCAA:

The use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified solid fuel burning devices is prohibited.

The use of certified wood stoves, pellet stoves, and other certified wood-burning devices is allowed.

All outdoor burning is prohibited throughout Yakima County*.

All violations of the burn ban are subject to a civil penalty.

 

Forecast for Yakima This Week

The National Weather Service keeps it simple: patchy freezing fog until the weekend, and then only a slight chance of precipitation in the form of rain or snow. Daytime highs in the 30s and overnight lows in the upper teens to low 20s.  The final day of the month, Monday the 31st, could likely be one of the nicest days - with Sunshine and an expected high temperature of 41 degrees.