A burn ban is now effect in response to the decreasing air quality in the region as smoke from British Columbia wildfires moves into King County. The Stage 1 air quality burn ban is in effect as of 4pm today for King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
Air Quality Burn Ban issued for King, Kitsap, Pierce & Snohomish counties from 4pm until further notice. #wildfireshttps://t.co/AJxr1bma33 pic.twitter.com/iLWIz2cS4W
— PS Clean Air Agency (@pscleanair) August 2, 2017
The increasing wildfire smoke means air pollution levels are now considered unhealthy for sensitive groups in many parts of the region; the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency expects it to continue at least through Friday.
According to the agency, the ban is to reduce any additional harm to sensitive populations from excess air pollution, and is in addition to existing fire safety burn bans.
From the Clean Air Agency:
No outdoor burning during a Stage 1 air quality burn ban including:
- No charcoal barbeques
- No fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, or similar free-standing devices
- No campfires or bonfires
- No fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves, or uncertified inserts*
- 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.
The agency notes that it is okay to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.
For more information about the burn ban, click here.
