Maricopa County Implements “No Burn Day” Due to Elevated Pollution Levels
Residents of Maricopa County are urged to take action this weekend as the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has declared a “No Burn Day” for both Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14. This measure is in response to heightened levels of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), a fine particle pollution known to affect air quality.
The following restrictions will be in place during the No Burn Day:
- Prohibition of wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires, affecting even those with permits for open burning, such as hotels and restaurants.
- Government employees and contractors are restricted from operating leaf blowers, and residents are advised to refrain from using them during pollution advisories.
- Avoidance of off-road vehicle use is recommended.
Individuals with heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and children are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of particle pollution. PM10 particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing symptoms like eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, and even shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
MCAQD suggests several methods to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality:
- Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ for strategies to decrease air pollution.
- Minimize driving by carpooling, using public transportation, or telecommuting.
- Explore ShareTheRide.com to plan transit trips or join carpools and vanpools.
- Refrain from activities that generate dust, such as driving on unpaved roads.
Understanding Particulate Matter
Particulate Matter (PM) is monitored by state and county agencies and consists of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. These can originate from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, wood burning, or stirred-up dust. PM10 particles are 10 microns or less, while PM2.5 particles are even smaller, at 2.5 microns or less. For comparison, a single human hair measures about 70-100 microns in diameter.
Contact Information
Ari Halpert is available for media inquiries in both English and Spanish. They can be reached at:
Cell: 602-501-1266
Desk: 602-506-6713
Email: ari.halpert@maricopa.gov
About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The mission of MCAQD is to enhance air quality in Maricopa County, ensuring a healthy environment for residents, employees, and visitors. Operating under the guidance of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, the department adheres to the Clean Air Act’s federal standards. For more information on air quality, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.
Stay connected with MCAQD on social media: Instagram: @maricopaair, Twitter: @maricopaair, Facebook: @maricopaair.
Download the MCAQD’s Clean Air app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad, or from Google Play for Android.
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