Stage 1 Burn Ban called for King County

Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has called a Stage 1 Burn Ban in King County, elevating Pierce and Snohomish counties to Stage 2 Burn Bans, and continuing the Stage 2 Burn Ban in Darrington, effective at noon today, New Year's Day.  

Use of fireplaces and wood stoves is prohibited until air quality improves. These bans remain in effect until further notice.

Last night, air pollution levels in both Pierce and Snohomish Counties increased further.  King County also showed widespread increases in air pollution levels. Cold temperatures and calm winds are expected to continue into Friday, which will allow pollution levels to again build rapidly; especially in areas where wood burning is common.

The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air usually due to excessive wood smoke. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

•  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 chimneys.

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

It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.