‘Burn Cleaner, Burn Better’ Campaign Kicks Off
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PHOENIX (December 10, 2018) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is kicking off the annual winter ‘Burn Cleaner, Burn Better’ campaign.
MCAQD is asking residents and businesses to work together to improve our air quality. Instead of burning wood, they suggest using cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible such as gas or electric fireplaces or fire pits.
Maricopa County is offering residents the opportunity to participate in programs that will help keep our air clean and our residents healthy. The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program (MCFRP) and the Propane Fire Pit Program are designed to reduce smoke/PM2.5 pollution. MCFRP offers residents within the program boundary the opportunity to retrofit an existing wood burning fireplace with a pollution reduction device or natural gas installation. MCFRP boundaries are Northern Avenue to Baseline Road and 16th Street to 59th Avenue. In partnership with the Arizona Propane Gas Association and Home Depot, the county’s Propane Fire Pit Program provides any resident in Maricopa County a $75 voucher to purchase an outdoor propane fire pit at participating Home Depot stores (program limited to the first 1,000 residents who apply).
“Our Air Quality Department has developed successful partnerships with other agencies, private businesses, community organizations and residents to come up with programs that work,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Chucri, District 2. “I want Maricopa County to be just as livable for my children as it has been for me. That means we all have to work together to keep developing solutions for better air quality.”
Smoke from wood burning fireplaces and chimineas during winter months poses a serious health threat to children with asthma, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. Soot particles can be absorbed into the blood stream and may lessen lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death.
Maricopa County also risks falling out of compliance with federal health standards, which could mean more burdensome and costly federal regulations.
“Wood burning activities that occur during the winter months creates poor air quality and can negatively affect the health of our residents,” Maricopa County Air Quality Director Philip McNeely said. “The spirit of the season compels us to remember our neighbors and the impact that our actions have on others. Please, Burn Cleaner, Burn Better and abide by the No Burn Day restrictions.”
MCAQD issues No Burn Days throughout the winter season and asks county residents to refrain from burning wood on those designated days. To find out if it is a No Burn Day, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, download the Clean Air Make More mobile app or call (602) 506-6400.
For more information, contact Bob Huhn with MCAQD at (602) 506-6713. To sign up for the Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program, access CleanAirMakeMore.com/fireplace-retrofit-program. To participate in the Propane Fire Pit Program, access CleanAirMakeMore.com/firepit.
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The mission of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents and visitors can live, work and play in a healthy environment. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.
The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Visit CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Bob Huhn – (602) 506-6713 desk / (602) 526-7307 cell
Burn Cleaner, Burn Better Campaign Website: CleanAirMakeMore.com/noburn
Learn more and support the Burn Cleaner, Burn Better campaign via social media:
Twitter: @CleanAirMakeMor
Facebook: @CleanAirMakeMore
Instagram: @MaricopaCountyCleanAir
Hashtags: #BurnCleanerBurnBetter #CleanAirMakeMore #MCAQD #CleanAir #NoBurnDay #AirQuality #CleanerAlternatives #MCFRP #Electric #GasFireplace #GasLogs #NatGas #PelletStove #OilFurnace #CleanTech #CleanerBurning #AirPollution