WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Calmer winds have heralded a burn ban for a portion of Whatcom County.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 air quality burn ban for the Columbia Valley area effective immediately.

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds mean that smoke particles can accumulate and remain in the air, which can cause respiratory issues.

Residents within the burn ban area cannot burn in fireplaces or uncertified woodstoves unless it is their only source of heat.

Outdoor burning is also prohibited during a Stage 1 ban.