County to lift burn restrictions Friday

With favorable weather patterns, air quality officials will lift a burning ban at 4 p.m. Friday.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency announced in a press release its plan to remove the stage 1 burn ban that restricts the use of wood stoves and fireplaces.

However, residents using a wood stove or fireplace as a heat source are encouraged to burn as cleanly as possible, according to a news release issued by the clean air agency. Visit the agency’s website for information on clean burning techniques.

The agency cautions that all burning adds to air pollution levels and residents are encouraged to seek alternatives to burning.

Outdoor burning of natural vegetation will once again be allowed with proper permits.

“State law prohibits the burning of garbage, construction debris and other prohibited materials at any time,” the agency wrote in the press release. “Burn barrels are also prohibited by state law.”