YAKIMA -- Outdoor burn bans in Yakima County and on the Yakama reservation have been lifted today, both federal and state clean air authorities announced.

Stage 2 burn bans were imposed over the county and reservation on Monday, but were removed today following improved air quality, said the Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Stage 2 ban prohibits all outdoor burning and even the use of certified heating appliances unless they are the only source of heat.

-- Phil Ferolito