Stagnant air in the southern Willamette Valley has led the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency to urge people to avoid burning wood to heat their homes for the next few days. The “yellow” advisory is in effect until 4 p.m. on Wednesday for Eugene, Springfield and Oakridge.
While wood burning fireplaces and stoves are still allowed under a yellow advisory, the agency is asking people to use other heating methods if possible to prevent further deterioration of the region’s air quality. If air quality worsens, the agency could issue a "red" advisory, which would ban the use of wood fireplaces and stoves.
LRAPA says smoke from wood fires is the leading cause of winter-time air pollution in Lane County.