Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County, Stage 2 burn ban for Snohomish

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Greater Pierce County and elevated a burn ban for Snohomish County to Stage 2 due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution.

The burn bans take effect at 1 p.m. Thursday and will be in effect until further notice.

According to officials, air pollution in Snohomish County has reached levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Officials say a Stage 1 burn ban remains in effect for Darrington.

Pierce County residents west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge are not included in Thursday’s burn ban, officials said.

Officials will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Information on each ban from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

During a Stage 2 burn ban:

• No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, certified or uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is canceled.

• The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency.

• No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

• Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

• No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is canceled.

• The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency.

• No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

• Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during Stage 1 & 2 burn bans.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).

KIRO