The burn ban in place for Pierce County has been lowered to a Stage 1 burn ban, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
The change also took effect in King and Snohomish counties.
“Air pollution levels throughout the region have dropped, likely due to clouds and warmer temperatures,” forecaster Phil Swartzendruber said Tuesday. “The drop in pollution could also be due to the help of our communities following the burn ban.”
The ban is in effect until further notice.
With a Stage 1 ban, burning is not allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should instead rely on heating sources such as a furnace or electric baseboard heater. Outdoor fires are also banned.
Violators are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
Under a Stage 2 ban, no burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts or pellet stoves. The only exception is if a wood stove is the only adequate source of heat for a home. Outdoor fires also are prohibited.
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
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