Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Stage 2 burn ban called for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties
January 19, 2009 ”“ Due to stagnant weather conditions and elevated air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, effective at 12:00 p.m. January 19, 2009.
Stagnant conditions in the lowlands of the Puget Sound area continue with no relief expected during the next 48 to 72 hours. Air pollution levels have risen sharply in some areas. Offshore winds are expected to weaken today, enhancing the impact of pollution being emitted into the air. This Stage 2 ban is expected to remain in place until Thursday.
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, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. 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.
Ӣ Natural gas, propane and pellet stoves or inserts ARE allowed.
Ӣ Regulations prohibit the emission of any visible smoke, even if your fireplace, pellet stove, or wood stove is your only adequate source of heat.
Ӣ All outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
Ӣ If our agency inspectors see any smoke being emitted from a chimney during a Stage 2 burn ban, they can assume a fireplace, wood or pellet stove is in use and a penalty is warranted.
Ӣ Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
(Note: The Seattle Parks Department prohibits beach fires at Alki and Golden Gardens during the burn ban.)
This ban is in effect until further notice.
