Stage 1 Burn Ban called for King County Jan 2

Burn ban over a 3 county area

Use of fireplaces and wood stoves is prohibited until air quality improves

Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is continuing a Stage 2 burn ban in Greater Pierce County, elevating Snohomish County and Darrington to a Stage 2 burn ban, and issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King County, effective 1:00 pm today, January 2, 2016.

This ban is in effect until further notice.

While strong winds are forecasted in the Cascades, they are not expected to reach the central Puget Sound region.  With local calm winds allowing air pollution to remain, continued cold temps, and ongoing wood burning, we will likely see air pollution levels linger until Sunday night.

Visit Puget Sound Clean Air to view the current burn ban status, download our mobile app, and other burn ban alert options for you area.

Use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves and inserts prohibited. Pellet stoves, EPA certified wood stoves and inserts are allowed. Outdoor burning prohibited. All wood burning prohibited, including pellet stoves. Outdoor burning prohibited.

NO:
    Fireplaces
    Uncertified Wood Stoves
    Uncertified Wood Inserts
    Outdoor Burning

ALL WOOD BURNING PROHIBITED

OK:
    Certified Wood Stoves
    Certified Wood Inserts
    Pellet Stoves & Inserts

It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during burn bans.
 
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit their 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).

The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation.