Agency orders Oakridge burn ban

Strong air inversions that can trap smoke spur pollution watchers to issue the advisory

OAKRIDGE — The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued a “red” wood burning advisory on Wednesday for Oakridge through 4 p.m. today.

That means no visible smoke is allowed from chimneys at homes.

There is potential for a similar advisory in Eugene-Springfield if conditions do not improve, LRAPA said.

The cold spell has accompanied a high pressure system and strong air inversions that have caused smoke from residential wood heating to build up in the Willamette Valley and in Oakridge, the agency said.

“To help improve conditions, people are asked to not damper down their woodstoves and use alternative forms of heat if at all possible,” LRAPA spokeswoman Jo Niehaus said.

During winter cold-air inversions when woodstove use is high, smoke tends to accumulate at night, then disperse in the daytime.

Air quality for Oakridge is forecast for today to be unhealthy for sensitive individuals. On Wednesday, air quality in Eugene and Oakridge was ranked as “moderate,” a step better than “unhealthy for sensitive individuals.”

Residents who are sensitive to air pollution are advised to use caution when participating in outdoor activities. Individuals with asthma, respiratory problems or heart disease are advised to curtail vigorous activity when air quality deteriorates.

“Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and particles, both of which can cause serious short- and long-term health threats,” said Dr. Patrick Luedtke, Lane County’s chief health officer. “These microscopic particles can cause health problems for everyone but especially for the very young, older adults or anyone with lung disease, causing asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.”

During a “red” advisory, any visible smoke from a chimney can result in enforcement action and a fine of $500, LRAPA said. During “red” advisories, LRAPA inspectors patrol communities for violations, LRAPA said.

The agency is forecasting unhealthy air quality levels for Oakridge over the next couple of days as high pressure dominates the region and air stagnation continues.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Environmental Quality issued air quality warnings on Wednesday for much of the rest of Oregon because of air stagnation and cold temperatures.