STAGE 1 BURN BAN CALLED FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY, CONTINUES IN GREATER PIERCE* COUNTY
Use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited until air quality improves
SEATTLE, WA – Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for Snohomish County, effective 1 PM today, November 20, 2022.
A Stage 1 burn ban continues for Greater Pierce County.
This ban is in effect until further notice.
There were high levels of wood smoke last night in wood burning areas of Pierce County which led to air quality reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. While there should be some clearing today, we anticipate high levels again tonight in both Pierce County and Snohomish County. We expect stagnant weather conditions to remain until Monday evening.
The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.
The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution creating unhealthy air, usually due to excessive wood smoke. Wood smoke affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and increase health risks, especially for sensitive populations.
* Pierce County residents on the “Pierce Peninsula” (Gig Harbor Fire #5, Key Peninsula #16, Anderson Island #27) and in “South Pierce” county (Roy Fire #17, Eatonville, Ashford #23) are not included in today’s burn ban. Check the Pierce County Burn Ban Area Map for more specific information.
*Darrington is not included in this burn ban. Check the Darrington Burn Ban Area Map to see if you are in the burn ban zone.
The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution creating unhealthy air, usually due to excessive wood smoke. Wood smoke affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and increases health risks, especially for sensitive populations.
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.
• It is OK to use certified wood stoves or inserts, pellet stoves, and natural gas or propane stoves or inserts.
• The only other exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ exemption from the Puget Sound 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 or Stage 2 burn ban.