Health and environmental officials are imposing restrictions that prohibit people in metro Phoenix from using wood-burning fireplaces and other open burning Thursday.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department says the no-burn restrictions are imposed under a health watch issued by the state Department of Environmental Quality because of anticipated high levels of particulate pollution.
The county department said particulate pollution in the metro area increases when the air is especially stagnant or particularly windy.
The issuances of a health watch means the pollution levels may approach the federal health maximum standard.
The county department says people extremely sensitive to high pollution levels should consider reducing prolonged exposure or heavy outdoor exertion.
The metro area didn't have burn restrictions on Christmas day for the first time in seven days.
