No Burn Advisory issued due to air quality concerns

Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory starting on Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. until further notice due to air quality concerns. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. 

The goal is to maintain acceptable air quality in our area and help prevent additional pollution from going into the atmosphere. The Air Quality Index for our community is moderate and is forecasted to remain moderate over the weekend. Most people are able to continue their normal outdoor routines, however, it can be unhealthy for sensitive individuals. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to the health effects of poor air quality. We also recommend that any residents with wood burning stoves or fireplaces limit their use of them at this time.

Without any winds or mixing to carry particulates away from residential areas, the No Burn Advisory will remain in place until further notice. We will update the community through our website and social media when air quality has improved and the advisory has been lifted.

Instead of burning, consider these alternatives:

• Compost leaves and grass clippings yourself. This can improve water retention in your yard or garden.
• Rent or borrow a wood chipper for your tree and shrub trimmings. Chipped branches can also be good mulch.
• Use the services at Mesa County Organic Materials Facility. Head to Solid Waste Management Composting facility page for hours and accepted materials.

For information on current air quality conditions and to learn if it’s okay to burn, visit the Air Quality Conditions page.