Independent news media feature

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department declared Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 14 as “No Burn Days” due to elevated PM2.5 (smoke) levels.

I take action:

• Eliminate the burning of wood in fireplaces, stoves, simeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Switch your wood-burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ to see if you qualify for up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use rakes and brooms to move debris away from roads, storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Visit Maricopa.gov/AQ to see if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace your gas-powered lawn equipment.
• Reduce wait times in long drive-thru lines. Park your car and walk into a coffee shop, fast food restaurant, curbside pickup, bank, and more.
• Refuel your car after dark or during the cooler hours of the evening.
• Use low VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Properly seal household cleaners, garage and garden chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.

Burn ban day restrictions:

• In Maricopa County, burning wood in residential fireplaces, ximeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited. This includes individuals and businesses with open burning permits.
• Government employees and contractors are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are being asked to avoid blowing away fallen leaves.
• Off-road vehicle use is prohibited.

Regulated business:

Businesses that perform dust-generating operations must pay attention to dust control measures. If watering or other dust control measures prove ineffective, workers may be required to stop work after stabilizing the disturbed area.