Stage 1 burn bans for King, Pierce counties, stage 2 for Snohomish county

SEATTLE - A stage 1 burn ban is now in effect for King and Pierce counties.  The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued the ban for King county on Sunday morning, joining the Stage 1 bans in Pierce county. The burn ban was elevated to stage 2 for Snohomish county.  The bans will remain in effect until further notice.  In a press release the PSCAA stated:

The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air usually due to excessive wood smoke. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Burn ban enforcement has significantly increased in the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone. Wood burning during a ban may result in a fine, with fines in the past reaching $1,000. Increased enforcement and night patrols will increase the likelihood of violators receiving substantial fines this season.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood 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).