Due to stagnant weather conditions and elevated air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban for Snohomish County, effective at 10:00 a.m., December 8, 2009.
http://www.pscleanair.org/news/newsroom/releases/2009/12_08_09_burn_ban.aspx
Stable weather conditions, combined with heavy use of wood-burning devices in parts Snohomish County, have created pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive group populations (the very young, elderly and those individuals with heart and lung ailments). These weather conditions are expected to become more stagnant and persist for several days, prompting the issuance of this Stage 2 burn ban to quickly reduce wood smoke emissions that are impacting communities in the county.
We are monitoring conditions in Pierce and Kitsap counties where pollution levels are also elevated and may result in an expansion of the burn ban as early as Wednesday.
During a Stage 2 burn ban:
- No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. 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 cancelled.
- Even if your fireplace, pellet stove, or wood stove is your only adequate source of heat, no visible smoke is allowed.
- 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 a Stage 2 burn ban.
This ban is in effect until further notice.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine when the burn ban can be lifted. You can check conditions and forecasts at www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqi.aspx# .
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent 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.
This is the first burn ban of the winter heating season. A list of frequently asked questions and answers about burn bans is available on the Clean Air Agency’s web site at www.pscleanair.org/airq/burnban/faqs.aspx . For additional information, visit www.pscleanair.org.
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The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is an air quality management agency serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Created because of the 1967 Washington Clean Air Act, the agency protects public health and improves air quality by adopting and enforcing air quality regulations, educating individuals and businesses about clean-air choices and sponsoring voluntary initiatives to improve air quality.
We make every effort to ensure that all burn ban announcements and restrictions are posted. Always call or visit your county and local clean air agency and check the DNR fire danger for the most current information. Click here for a list of air authorities.