WA Burn Bans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Dec. 17, 2009
09-294

Ecology issues burn ban for Kittitas County

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is
issuing a burn ban in Kittitas County because of worsening air quality.

Ecology’s Stage 1 burn ban for Kittitas County is effective
immediately and will continue until at least 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21.
The Stage 1 ban applies to unnecessary use of uncertified wood stoves,
inserts and fireplaces, and to all outdoor burning.

Smoke from outdoor burning, wood stoves and fireplaces is likely
to build up where cold air is trapped near the ground. People can easily
breathe fine particles in smoke deep into their lungs, where the
particles can damage sensitive tissues.

For updates, check local media reports, Ecology’s daily burn
decision hotline (1-800-406-5322) and
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/outdoor_woodsmoke/burn_ban.htm.

Under a Stage 1 ban:

* Use of fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and uncertified inserts is
prohibited unless they are a home’s only source of heat.

* All outdoor burning – including residential, agricultural and forest
burning – is prohibited.

* Use of certified wood-burning devices and pellet stoves is allowed.
Ecology recommends burning hot fires using only clean, dry wood.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people
who are sensitive to air pollution should limit the time they spend
outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty
breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is
especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and
adults over age 65.

Ecology recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine
errands or use public transportation to reduce air pollution.

For a list of certified wood stoves and clean-burning tips, see

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/indoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm.

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Media Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager,
360-407-6848; 360-584-5744 cell; seth.preston@ecy.wa.gov

Seth Preston
Communications Manager
Air Quality & Toxics Cleanup Programs
Washington Department of Ecology
(360) 407-6848
(360) 584-5744

Find out more information about RCW 70.94.473, WAC 173-425 and important key terms.