With the wildfire smoke from British Columbia in the region, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 air quality burn ban for King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, effective at 4 p.m. today, Aug. 2.
This ban is in effect until further notice and is in addition to existing fire safety burn bans.
With winds from British Columbia moving wildfire smoke into our area, air pollution levels have become unhealthy for sensitive groups in many parts of the Puget Sound region. The pattern is expected to continue at least through Friday and possibly longer.
The purpose of the burn ban is to reduce any additional harm to sensitive populations from excess air pollution and is in addition to existing fire safety burn bans. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation for purposes of air quality burn bans.
No outdoor burning during a Stage 1 air quality burn ban including:
- No charcoal barbecues
- No fire pits, chimneys, fire bowls, or similar free-standing devices
- No campfires or bonfires
- No fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves, or uncertified inserts (The only exception to using fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves or inserts is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ exemption from the Clean Air Agency)
- No agricultural fires (as described in the agricultural burn permit)
- Native American ceremonial fire permits outside of tribal lands are not granted from the local fire district during air quality burn bans.
It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 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).
