Local Burn Ban Elevated to Stage 2

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is elevating Pierce and Snohomish Counties to a Stage 2 burn ban to protect residents from worsening air quality, effective at 11 a.m., Dec. 6, 2011. These bans are in effect until further notice.

The high pressure center offshore means continued calm winds and stagnant air.  Air quality reached levels “unhealthy for sensitive groups” last night in both Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Clean Air Agency forecasters do not expect adequate ventilation to reduce pollution over the next 24-hours.  A very weak weather system is expected Wednesday evening, which may temporarily break up some of the pollution, but the air stagnation is expected to continue into the weekend.

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. 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 a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
• 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.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65).

This is the first air quality burn ban of the season for the Puget Sound region. The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation.

Click on the following links for more information on:

• Updated air pollution data and forecasts
• Frequently asked questions about burn bans

Editor's Note: This is a press release from Pierce County