Learn When To Burn In Grand Junction

One of the great things about living in the Grand Valley is the great scenery provided by the Grand Mesa, Bookcliffs, Colorado National Monument and the Uncompahgre Plateau.  But, being surrounded by this spectacular beauty can also contribute to the dreaded winter inversion.For those not familiar with this weather phenomena, an inversion happens when a cold weather system is followed by a warmer system and the cold air gets trapped in the valley with no way out thanks to our surrounding mountains. One of the problems with an inversion is that pollution from wood burning fireplaces or stoves is also trapped in the valley with the cold air. According to the Mesa County Health Department, the fine particles not only affect our scenic views, but can adversely affect people's health.

Part of the solution to the problem is to issue a "Red Flame No-Burn" advisory on the days when the inversions are present.  These advisories ask that residents with conventional fireplaces or stoves that aren't EPA certified to not burn on those days.

The program is underway now and continues until February 28, 2013. To find out if it's a "No Burn Day" call the Mesa County Health Department Hotline at 970-248-6990 or listen to KOOL 107.9 for updates and information.