Mesa County Public Health has issued an Open Burn Ban for Monday, April 2 from noon to 6 p.m. following a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning citing wind gusts up to 40 mph and low humidity. The ban includes agricultural burns.
“We’re issuing a ban for the day because these conditions really are a recipe for disaster when it comes to open burning. When we’ve got high winds like this, it’s nearly impossible to control your burn and where the smoke is going, which puts residents – especially those with respiratory issues – at risk,” Program Manager Monique Mull said. “We know children and the elderly commonly fall into sensitive groups with pre-existing conditions. If smoke from an open burn is pushed into an area where families live or where child care or elder care facilities are located, the health of those residents could be affected,” Mull said.
Open burn permits are valid throughout the burn season, which ends May 31. Residents who wish to burn today will still have the opportunity to do so until season-end.
If you need to clear your yard of open burning materials today, consider these alternatives:
• Ready your yard waste for the Mesa County Organic Materials composting facility at Mesa County Solid Waste, 3071 U.S. Hwy 50. Bag your waste, today, so it’s ready for the composting facility, tomorrow. The facility accepts material for composting at no charge, and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
• Compost at home. This can improve water retention in your yard or garden.
• Rent or borrow a wood chipper for your tree and shrub trimmings.
For more information on air quality conditions, visit health.mesacounty.us