WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Upgraded air quality alerts have been issued for Maple Falls and the surrounding area.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 2 Air Quality burn ban for Columbia Valley. Under a Stage 2 ban, no burning of any kind is allowed indoors or outdoors.

Air monitoring website IQ Air reports very unhealthy air pollution in Peaceful Valley, with unhealthy air also noted in Kendall and Maple Falls.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that calmer winds and cooler temperatures are preventing smoke particles in the air from clearing out.

That can lead to serious respiratory issues for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.