RENO, Nev. (AP) - Washoe County officials are cracking down on the use of fireplace chimneys because of unhealthful air in the Reno area.
Air quality management staff from the county health district say fine particulate matter reached the unhealthful stage this morning.
They say the air pollution level is prompting them to patrol for smoking chimneys around Reno for the first time since 1994.
The issuance of a RED Burn Ban this morning has made it illegal to burn wood stoves and fireplaces north to Stead, south to Galena, east to Vista and west to Mogul.
Residents with severe breathing problems are encouraged to stay indoors.
Health officials say wet, windy weather is expected this evening, and it could drop the air pollution level back into the good range.