Air quality regulators are banning wood burning in Maricopa County on Monday because of high levels of pollutants already in the air.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a high pollution health watch alert because levels of small particles in the air are expected to be at unhealthful levels for the fourth day in a row.
Open burning and use of wood burning fireplaces are generally prohibited. People with respiratory problems are advised to avoid heavy or prolonged outdoor exertion.
Maricopa County air quality officials say they know the mandatory restrictions may put a crimp in Christmas Eve celebrations. But director Bill Wiley says fires also fill neighborhoods with smoke and make breathing hard for some people.
chuckles3 posted at 9:40 pm on Sun, Dec 23, 2012.
More over regulation. Keep giving up your freedoms America. One baby step at a time.
Poorman posted at 9:44 am on Sun, Dec 23, 2012.
No suprise here,jf you know about the weather and atmosphere paterns this time of year,and the extra amount of people and their vehicles we have here now.
Irons1 posted at 8:38 pm on Sat, Dec 22, 2012.
Of course it's a no burn weekend. It's the holiday season and this happens every single year without fail. Surprise, surprise, surprise