The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a stage 1 burn ban for Pierce and Snohomish counties that took effect at 5 p.m. Sunday. The bans will remain in effect until further notice.
According to a news release:
Stagnant weather conditions and rising air-pollution levels are expected as another ridge of high pressure is expected to hit the Puget Sound area for the next two nights. Pollution will build through Tuesday as a result of calm winds and low temperatures. Air quality is expected to be at its worst Monday night.
During a stage 1 burn ban, no burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves, unless a wood stove is a home’s only source of heat. Also, no outdoor fires are allowed. Violators face a $1,000 fine.
It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a stage 1 ban.
“We have a front coming through Tuesday night/Wednesday, and that should help” improve conditions to the point where the burn ban might be lifted, said Dennis D’Amico, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Seattle. He added that lows below freezing are expected Monday, and freezing fog is possible Monday morning.
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