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Air quality forecast ‘unhealthy’ for much of northern Utah

Posted at 3:04 PM, Dec 15, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-15 17:07:30-05

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Environmental Quality forecast for air quality indicates that air will be unhealthy in several northern Utah counties through at least Tuesday.

According to airquality.utah.gov, The Salt Lake and Davis county area will see unhealthy air days and mandatory restrictions on burning Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Click here for details about the Department of Environmental Quality’s rating system for air quality.

According to the website, unhealthy air days mean that, “Elderly and people with heart or lung disease should stay indoors and avoid physical exertion. All others should avoid outdoor activity. Solid fuel burning devices must not be used. Open burning may not occur; including fire pits, fire rings, and campfires. Reduce vehicle use by consolidating trips. Industry should optimize operating conditions to minimize air pollution emissions.”

Mandatory action days mean that “Solid fuel burning devices must not be used, including wood and coal burning stove and fireplaces. Open burning may not occur; including fire pits, fire rings, and campfires.”

Utah County was also expected to see unhealthy air quality and mandatory burning restrictions on those three days.

Cache County is also expected to have unhealthy air quality and mandatory burning restrictions during that same period.

In Weber County similar conditions are expected Monday and Tuesday, with Sunday’s air quality for the area being described as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Mandatory burn restrictions are in place for all three days in Weber County.

In Tooele County air quality is described as moderate for the same three-day period, and Sunday and Monday are voluntary action days, while Tuesday carries a mandatory restriction on burning.

Click here to view air quality and burn restriction notices by county.

The burning restriction alerts utilize the department’s new alert system, click here for more details.