Neighbors in the vicinity of I-5 and Main Street found themselves surrounded by a low-lying cloud of smoke this afternoon.
Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) responded to the report of smoke and began a investigation in the area shortly after 4pm. According to WCFD7 Assistant Chief Larry Hoffman, they found a homeowner who had been burning wet branches. The fire was then extinguished by homeowner.
In a news release last month, Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) warned colder, calmer conditions can trap fine particles in smoke close to the ground where people can breathe them.
You can breathe those tiny particles deep into your lungs. They can hurt your lungs and your heart. They can especially hurt kids and sick people, like those who already have lung and heart problems.
According to NWCAA, it is always illegal to “smoke out your neighbors” and illegal burning can cost up to $1,500 for a repeat violation.