WA Burn Bans

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued 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.

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