See videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0WcpU6QI1o&t=13s
[December 14, 2017] Members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) and private industry representatives announced the kickoff of the annual winter ‘Burn Cleaner, Burn Better’ campaign.
MCAQD is asking residents and businesses to work together to improve our air quality. Instead of burning wood, they suggest using cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible such as gas or electric fireplaces/fire pits.
Maricopa County is offering residents the opportunity to participate in programs that will help keep our air clean and our residents healthy. The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit (MCFRP) and the Propane Fire Pit programs are designed to reduce smoke/PM2.5 pollution. The programs offer no charge or discount options for retrofitting a wood burning fire place with an air pollution reduction device or a natural gas log set, or purchasing propane fire pits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yfKWSufPa0
“These programs work because of the county’s partnership with other government agencies, private businesses and community organizations,” said Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3. “They work with our Air Quality Department to proactively create clean air solutions that benefit the entire community.”
Smoke from wood burning fireplaces and chimineas during winter months pose a serious health threat to children with asthma, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. Soot particles can be absorbed into the blood stream and may lessen lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death.
Maricopa County also risks falling out of compliance with federal health standards, which could mean more burdensome and costly federal regulations.
“Wood burning activities that occur during the winter months creates poor air quality and can endanger the health of our residents,” Maricopa County Air Quality Director Philip McNeely said. “The spirit of the season compels us to remember our neighbors and the impact that our actions have on others. Please, Burn Cleaner, Burn Better and abide by the No Burn Day restrictions.”
MCAQD issues No Burn Days throughout the winter season and asks county residents to refrain from lighting wood burning fires on those designated days. To find out if it is a No Burn Day, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, download the Clean Air Make More mobile app or call (602) 506-6400.
For more information, call Bob Huhn with MCAQD at (602) 506-6713.
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Contacts:
MCAQD – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose mission is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Please visit CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell
Burn Cleaner, Burn Better Campaign Website: CleanAirMakeMore.com
Learn more and support the Burn Cleaner, Burn Better air quality campaign via social media:
Facebook: @CleanAirMakeMore
Twitter: @CleanAirMakeMor
Hashtags: #BurnCleanerBurnBetter #CleanAirMakeMore #MCAQD #CleanAir #NoBurnDay #AirQuality #CleanerAlternatives #Electric #GasFireplace #GasLogs #NatGas #PelletStove #OilFurnace #CleanTech #CleanerBurning #AirPollution