Mesa County Public Health has made the decision to issue a NO BURN ADVISORY indefinitely. This advisory means residential open burning is not allowed. We will evaluate and issue guidance when it is once again OK to burn.
COVID-19 is a lower respiratory illness impacting residents with underlying medical conditions, more severely than other groups. This decision was made to ensure the best possible air quality for residents in high-risk categories, and to ensure our medical community has enough resources to care for the patients impacted by COVID-19.
We recognize burning is a tool used to prepare fields and watering sources for production. This advisory only applies to residential burns at this time, but we ask our agricultural community to be aware of the health impacts on those most at risk for COVID-19 and consider other options, if possible.
We know our community is looking for ways to do their part and help those who are most vulnerable to this illness; refraining from burning is one way we can be good neighbors and respond as a community.
Instead of burning, consider these alternatives:
- Take yard waste to the Mesa County Organic Materials composting facility at Mesa County Solid Waste, 3071 U.S. Hwy. 50. The facility accepts material for composting at no charge and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. For more information, call (970) 263-9319.
- 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.