MAPLE FALLS, Wash. — Officials with the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) announced this afternoon, Sunday, January 30th, that a Stage 1 “air quality burn ban” in the Columbia Valley area of Maple Falls has been canceled.
The ban went into effect January 13th due to forecasts of too much smoke in the Columbia Valley.
Air quality has improved at this time because changing weather conditions are clearing out built-up smoke. NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor and outdoor 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 ages 65 and older.Northwest Clean Air Agency (January 30, 2022)