Air quality advisory issued for Franklin County

A ridge of high pressure over Franklin County and associated poor air dispersion conditions has prompted the Department of Environmental Quality to issue an air quality advisory for the area.

While the advisory is in effect residential wood burning activities are restricted to certified or exempt stoves only. Outdoor open burning is also prohibited while the ordinances are in effect. These burn bans will remain in effect until air quality has improved.

Those individuals having an inherent sensitivity to increased particulate levels are encouraged to avoid prolonged physical exertion outside. At these levels there is an increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and increased aggravation of asthma and/or lung ailments.

Air quality is not forecasted to improve until the next storm system moves into the area Saturday. The next air quality update will be January 29th.