With the piles of debris growing in our yards by leaps and bounds due to the lack of sufficient number of burn days, there seems to be an imminent threat of potential 'escaped burns' from these large piles when we are finally able to light them. So the question arose, "What are the criteria for creating a burn day? And.. Is any consideration given to the man power that is available?"
These questions were asked of:
Brian S. Moss, REHS
Environmental Management Agency Administrator
Director of Environmental Health / Air Pollution Control Officer
His response :
"Thank you for your inquiry. The criteria for a burn day is based on meteorological conditions (High versus Low pressure systems) and the actual call is made by State Air Resources Board meteorologists. As a case in point, if we are under a high pressure ridge as we have been for much of January and now February, no burn days are called for as smoke will not lift due to inversions. Regarding manpower, this is really a Cal/Fire question rather than Air Pollution. As you are aware, Cal/Fire generally prohibits burning (usually in late spring) depending upon moisture content of fuels and humidity.
From the Air Pollution perspective, we also recommend that homeowners consider alternatives to burning including, shredding, mulching, chipping, composting and or disposing of slash at the Rock Creek Landfill, Red Hill Transfer Station and/or Wilseyville Transfer Station depending upon your location in the County."
Thank you for looking into this matter. Although today was a burn day with these wind, I would not light a match. I will look for a calmer day to burn.
ReplyDelete