Some burning restrictions in Utah counties Thursday

Utah physicians want ban on wood burning in populated areas based on research they say shows wood smoke is more toxic than cigarette smoke. Image courtesy of the U.S. Government

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality is enacting some burning restrictions in several counties Thursday to minimize air pollution.

Open fires and burning in wood fireplaces and other solid fuel devices are barred in Salt Lake, Davis and Weber Counties.

Residents in Utah, Box Elder, Cache, and Tooele Counties are asked to voluntarily avoid burning and reduce car travel.

Officials say air quality will be acceptable in those counties but could cause moderate health concerns for a small number of people.

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