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LRAPA issues first “yellow” home wood heating advisory of the winter

Smoke coming out of a chimney on a house.
Katie Campbell
LRAPA has issued a "yellow" advisory for wood stoves and fireplaces through Sunday at 4 p.m.

People in Eugene, Springfield and Oakridge are being asked to avoid using their wood stoves or fireplaces for the rest of the week.

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has issued a “yellow” advisory, which the agency describes as a cautionary warning due to stagnant air. LRAPA spokesperson Travis Knudsen said the current air mass is expected to stay in place all week long, "which means any smoke or any other pollutants that are added to that air mass is essentially ours to breathe until the next storm system moves on in to clear the air out.”

If conditions worsen, the agency could issue a “red advisory.” That would mean fireplace or wood stove use would be banned, with the exception of low income households that have a pre-existing exemption.

Knudsen said even in a worst-case scenario, smoke from wood fires isn't expected to deteriorate air quality to the extent that was experienced in Oakridge this summer and fall due to the nearby Cedar Creek Fire.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
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