As the cold season descends on Maricopa County, residents are being asked to consider the air we all breathe and ditch the wood logs. The "Burn Cleaner, Burn Better" (BCBB) campaign spearheaded by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is emphasizing healthier alternatives to wood burning. According to a recent announcement, the goal is to protect public health and improve air quality throughout the county, particularly as the holiday seasons ramp up.
Statistics paint an unsettling picture, with local hospitals reporting a surge in respiratory problems when the air fills with wood smoke. "While we cannot control the weather, we can actively contribute to protect the health of our community," Jack Sellers, Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1, told the press. He urged the public to join in reducing smoke pollution this winter by choosing not to burn wood.
The MCAQD doesn't just offer mere suggestions—they're enforcing No Burn Days when air pollution levels are too high and when the weather creates the perfect storm for trapping pollutants near the ground. On these days, the burning of wood outdoors is forbidden, though gas and electric options remain on the table for those looking to stay cozy sans the environmental impact.
"MCAQD's mission is working to improve the air quality of Maricopa County so that customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment," Philip McNeely, the MCAQD Director, explained. The agency stresses the importance of opting for cleaner burning alternatives, like gas or propane, not only for individual well-being but also to meet federal health standards and evade stricter regulations. Incentives such as the Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit and Propane Fire Pit programs are in place to encourage the shift to these cleaner methods.
To learn more about the "Burn Cleaner, Burn Better" campaign or to find out if today is a No Burn Day, residents can visit the MCAQD website, download their Clean Air mobile app, or can make a call to the provided hotline.
