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46 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, November 25, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 17, 2004 Stagnant air traps smoke By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune Rogue Valley air has been more polluted this month than all of last winter, Jackson County officials said. Stagnant air over the valley coupled with several controlled forest burns earlier this month are to blame for the relatively high level of smoke particles, said Gary Stevens, program manager for the county’s environmental health division. Open and barrel burning in the county’s Air Quality Maintenance Area was allowed through Monday. "Any time we have air stagnation that’s day after day, smoke builds up pretty quickly," Stevens said. The pollution has triggered Diane Werich’s usually mild asthma over the past few weeks. The Ashland resident said she smelled smoke on her daily bike rides and noticed that a layer of haze obscured her home’s view of Grizzly Peak. "Mild asthmatics are like the canaries in the mines," the 59-year-old said. Advertisement Microscopic air pollutants measured slightly more than the annual average Tuesday but less than half of pollution levels required to exceed the federal air standard, according to county estimates. Wind or a winter storm would clean out the valley’s air, Stevens said. But clear weather is expected to hold for at least another week, said Larry Jacobs, spokesman for the National Weather Service’s Medford office. Compliance with burning regulations is needed to forestall restrictions, Stevens said. Those with wood stoves should check with the county’s air-quality hotline (776-9000) before lighting a fire, Stevens said. Residents of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Eagle Point and portions of the county must follow the wood stove guidelines. The daily recording informs callers whether it’s a green, yellow or red day for wood heat. Burning in both certified and noncertified stoves — with an opacity limit of 50 percent — is permitted on green days when smoke levels are low and good air circulation is predicted. Smoke plumes are in compliance if they obscure only 50 percent of objects viewed through it. On yellow and red days, burning is allowed only in certified stoves, provided no visible emissions are produced. A yellow day means smoke levels are rising during a time of predicted poor air circulation. A red day indicates that smoke levels are approaching unhealthy levels. The county has not had a yellow day since the winter of 1999-2000 or a red day for more than a decade. Residents who disregard wood stove restrictions can be fined under county and city ordinances. Exceptions are made for those of limited income or whose primary heat source has broken down. The county’s smoke ordinances were adopted in 1989. Tips for clean burning Small, hot fires burn wood completely and cleanly, reducing creosote buildup in the chimney and the likelihood of flue fires. Don't burn overnight, which causes air pollution, wastes fuel and creates a fire hazard. Don’t overstuff your stove to make sure fires have enough air for efficient burning and to reduce particulates and harmful chemical compounds. Burn wood that’s been dried for at least six months. Don't burn garbage such as gift wrap, plastic bags and junk mail, which release toxic fumes in your house and around your neighborhood. — Source: Jackson County Environmental Health Division Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities