11/30 10:00 a.m. UPDATE: The "RED" wood burning advisory for Eugene, Springfield and Oakridge is extended until 4:00 p.m. today.
11/29 8:20 AM UPDATE: The "Red" wood burning advisory for Eugene and Springfield has been extended through Sunday evening, and it now includes Oakridge.
Pollution from wood burning is made up of fine particles referred to as PM 2.5. These fine particles are less than two and a half microns in diameter, about 1/30th the average width of human hair. When inhaled, these particles may get lodged into the respiratory system or bloodstream, causing both short and long term health effects.
Lane County is not the only place in the northwest with residential wood burning advisories. Washington’s Pierce and Snohomish counties are also experiencing burn bans this weekend.
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has issued a “RED” wood burning advisory for Eugene and Springfield starting at 4 PM on Friday, November 27th, and ending Saturday evening.
During a “RED” advisory, no visible smoke is allowed from a chimney at a residential home. Failure to adhere to the advisory can result in a fine.
High pressure and air inversions have caused smoke from residential wood heating to build up in the Willamette Valley. Residents who are sensitive to air pollution are advised to use caution when participating in outdoor activities. LRAPA is forecasting unhealthy air quality levels for Eugene and Springfield throughout the weekend as high pressure dominates the region and air stagnation continues.