MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Columbia Valley residents are being asked to reduce the use of their wood stoves.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency says cold nighttime temperatures have led to an increase in people using wood for home heating.
As a result, the agency is seeing rising smoke levels in the area near Kendall in Whatcom County.
By using an alternative heat source and/or limiting burning, residents can help reduce the fine smoke particles and avoid an air quality burn ban.
Air quality in Maple Falls is considered “Unhealthy” while air in the Custer area is rated “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”