Poor air quality triggers new burn restrictions

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency has issued additional restrictions on indoor and outdoor burning, following a build-up of harmful smoke particles. The stage 2 burn restriction, effective at 1 p.m. today, restricts the use of any wood stove, pellet stove, fireplace insert or fireplace in Spokane County’s Smoke Control Zone, and all outdoor burning countywide, until conditions improve. If wood is the sole heat source, residents are asked to contact Spokane Clean Air at (509) 477-4727, for an exemption. Wood burners should check current burning conditions prior to burning by calling the Burning Information Hotline at (509) 477-4710. In North Idaho, restrictions are also in place for residential wood heating and outdoor burning. Poor air quality conditions are expected to last through Monday afternoon.