Bellingham, WA (KGMI) -- The Northwest Clean Air Agency is asking people in Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties to hold back from burning wood this week.
Forecasters say a stagnant air mass is building over the area that could last into the early part of next week.
The weather pattern is likely to cause hazardous breathing conditions especially in the Columbia Valley, where the nearby mountains trap pollution close to the ground.
Mark asmundson, former Bellingham mayor and executive director of the Northwest Clean Air Agency, says people should avoid burning wood until conditions improve.
He says wood smoke is the most significant air pollution problem in our area.
People in the Columbia Valley, near Kendall are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, and to limit outdoor activity until the air mass gets moving again.
Forecasters say a stagnant air mass is building over the area that could last into the early part of next week.
The weather pattern is likely to cause hazardous breathing conditions especially in the Columbia Valley, where the nearby mountains trap pollution close to the ground.
Mark asmundson, former Bellingham mayor and executive director of the Northwest Clean Air Agency, says people should avoid burning wood until conditions improve.
He says wood smoke is the most significant air pollution problem in our area.
People in the Columbia Valley, near Kendall are advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, and to limit outdoor activity until the air mass gets moving again.
