News Releases from Region 10

EPA Lifts Outdoor Burn Ban for Yakama Nation

On January 30, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lifted the ban on outdoor open burning on the Yakama Reservation, thanks to improving weather conditions and reduced air pollution. 

EPA appreciates the efforts of reservation residents to reduce sources of air pollution as much as possible. Air pollution can have significant health impacts. Cooperation from the community helps people who are most at risk during this period, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health. 

The burn ban had applied to all outdoor and agricultural burning—including camping and recreational fires—in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership.  Ceremonial and traditional fires were exempt from the burn ban.  For areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency, fire department, or the Washington State Department of Ecology.

To check conditions in your area, go to http://www.airnow.gov/.

For current burn ban status, visit https://waburnbans.net/ or contact the tribal air quality office, or the EPA at 1-800-424-4372 or email R10_farrhotline@epa.gov. 

Find more information online, go to https://www.epa.gov/farr.