By Jeff Delong and Guy Clifton, Reno Gazette-Journal

Health officials on Tuesday issued another Stage One air pollution alert and ordered a burn ban across the Truckee Meadows as particulates associated with wood burning and vehicle exhaust built to unhealthful levels.

Air quality was in the “red” range, and considered unhealthy for the elderly and sensitive people, said Duane Sikorski, air quality supervisor for the Washoe County District Health Department. Pollution was just below unhealthful levels for the general public.

Last Thursday and Friday, health officials declared a Stage One air pollution alert for fine particulates associated with burning for the first time since 1994. It was caused as wood smoke and exhaust was trapped close to the valley floors by cold air.

Read the whole story