No burn days set for Thursday, Friday in Maricopa County

PHOENIX — No burn days have been set for Thursday and Friday in Maricopa County because of expected high pollution levels.

During the ban, wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimneys, outdoor fire pits and similar outdoor fires is prohibited.

The use of leaf blowers on government property and off-road vehicles are also banned during that time.

ADEQ meteorologists provide #AirQualityForecasts for locations across #Arizona each day of the year. Their latest forecast is calling for unhealthy air quality in #Phoenix on #NewYears.
WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!#azwx #GiveTheGiftOfCleanAir pic.twitter.com/H3Vshqvxlm

— AZDEQ (@ArizonaDEQ) December 30, 2020

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued high pollution advisories for both days since particle pollutant levels are expected to exceed the federal health standard.

That can partially be attributed to the high amount of fireworks, fireplaces and fire pits that are expected to be in use late Thursday evening because of the New Year’s holiday.

Matt Pace, an air quality forecaster with ADEQ, said high pollution advisories and burn bans are typical for the holiday.

“Limit firework use and also instead of burning wood, switch over to gas or propane,” Pace said.

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