Agency Issues Air Quality Warning

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Smoke from wood burning and forest fires has resulted in an Air Quality Advisory for Lewis County, the Southwest Clean Air Agency announced Thursday.

The advisory warns of increasing fine particle air pollution, which is expected to rise through 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The alert extended to Clark and Cowlitz counties as well, and Cowlitz has instituted a ban on outdoor burning, the use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves.

Though Lewis County has not put a ban in place, the agency is asking residents to hold off on burning due to the pollution levels. 



“We are not asking anyone to go without heat, but to use an alternative source of heat if possible until weather patterns change and our air quality returns to healthy levels,” said executive director Uri Papish.

Children, the elderly, pregnant people and those with heart or lung issues should stay indoors when possible, close the windows and limit physical activity.