KENDALL, WA. – (KGMI.com) A Stage 2 burn ban is now in effect for a portion of Whatcom County.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency says no burning is allowed for residents in the Columbia Valley area, including Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes.

Monitoring website IQ Air reports unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality levels in those regions.

Calm, cold air is preventing wood smoke particles from getting cleared.

The only exception to the burn ban is if a wood stove is a home’s only source of heat.

NWCAA expects the ban to remain in place for at least the next few days.