Update: The burn ban has been lifted as of Saturday.
Earlier: The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has called for a Stage 1 Burn Ban in King County because of stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution. The burn ban takes effect at noon today and is in effect until further notice.
During a Stage 1 burn ban:
No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. 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.
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 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 1 burn ban.
