Strong temperature inversions and stagnant weather conditions are causing air pollution levels to increase rapidly in the valleys of Carson City and Douglas County.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is asking people in the Eagle and Carson valleys to refrain from burning wood this week. Where wood is the only option, people should burn as cleanly as possible.

When haze is visible over the valleys, residents are urged to refrain from using fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves and to use an alternate heat source until a weather system moves in to clear out the trapped air pollution. Reducing burning now can help prevent air pollution from reaching unhealthy levels.

Existing weather conditions are forecasted to last through the New Year.

Air pollution can pose a serious health threat to children with asthma, the elderly and those with respiratory issues.