The air quality in Klamath Falls has been so bad this week that residents are being asked to hold off on firing up their wood stoves, even in single-digit temperatures.
There’s even a ‘wood stove cop’ on patrol…
Jim Carey is on a public health patrol, and he takes his job seriously.
“There’s research that wood smoke is 20 times more harmful than cigarette smoke.”
A puff of smoke from a chimney catches Carey’s eye, and he stops to talk to a homeowner.
Carey says that he’ll issue a couple of written warnings before there’s any formal enforcement taken…
“And if they continue to do it, we’ll issuea fine, and that fine could be up to $720.”
Carey has issued about 80 warnings over a year – but so far, there have been no repeat offenders.
Carey notes that his tools are simple…
“Basically, I just use my eyes, my nose.”
Carey has also responded to neighborhood complaints…
“Husband or wife, worried about the other, and they call and they’re concerned about their health, and possibly that their neighbor doesn’t know what the restrictions are.”
Wood burning advisories are available on readerboards, by calling (541) 882-BURN, by going online to: www.klamathair.org , and even through flags posted at local schools.
Carey says voluntary compliance has been excellent…
“It’s been really good – people understand.”
And Jim Carey will continue to patrol to help clear the air.
Klamath Falls will find out at midnight tonight if they’ve failed to meet air quality standards for a second day this year. A third day would put Klamath Falls out of compliance for the entire year.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.