This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Rising amounts of microscopic soot nudged pollution levels Wednesday into the "unhealthy" range for people considered vulnerable.
State officials issued their first "red" alert of the winter season, this one for Salt Lake and Davis counties. That meant it was prohibited to burn wood and coal in stoves and fireplaces.
Meanwhile, they strengthened their health advisory for people in sensitive groups - the very young, the very old and people with heart or lung diseases - advising them to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
The state Department of Environmental Quality continued a yellow, or voluntary, "no-burn" day in Utah and Weber counties, and the Bear River Health Department issued a yellow alert for Cache County. The soonest relief can be expected for northern Utah is Friday, when forecasters believe winds might pick up.
