Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
February 3, 2009 — Due to deteriorating air quality, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for all of Pierce County, effective today at 2:00 p.m., February 3, 2009.
Air quality is being impacted by a slow moving high pressure system in the Puget Sound area. Impacts are greatest in Pierce County, and stagnant conditions and rapidly rising air pollution levels are not anticipated to improve before Thursday night.
During a Stage 1 burn ban:
* No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood 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.
* Natural gas, propane and pellet stoves or inserts ARE allowed.
* No visible smoke is allowed from any wood stove or fireplace, certified or not, beyond a 20-minute start-up period.
* 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.
* Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
This ban is in effect until further notice.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine when the burn ban can be lifted. You can check conditions and forecasts at http://m1e.net/c?89487606-XxEbnHP3NeOZI%403953177-J5J5PjcArMlJk .
The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.
For additional information visit www.pscleanair.org.
