Everett Area Burn Ban Downgraded to Stage 1

STAGE 1 BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR KING, PIERCE & SNOHOMISH COUNTIES 

Please  rely on your home’s cleaner source of heat until air quality improves

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is lowering the air quality burn ban to a Stage 1 in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effective at 1 PM on January 15, 2013. The ban remains in effect  until further notice.

“Air pollution levels throughout the region have dropped, likely due to clouds and warmer temperatures,” said Dr. Phil Swartzendruber, agency forecaster. “The drop in pollution could also be due to the help of our communities following the burn ban.”

Dr. Swartzendruber added, “Calm, cold, and clear weather conditions are likely to continue over the next few days, so ongoing cooperation with the burn ban will help keep our air healthy.”

The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely  monitor the air quality and weather situation.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

• No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. 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.
• No outdoor fires are allowed. 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.

It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood  stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive  to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air  pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung  and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with  lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over  age 65).

(Note: The Seattle  Parks Department prohibits beach  fires at Alki and Golden Gardens during the burn ban.)

For more  information:         

• Updated air pollution data       and forecasts
• Frequently asked questions       about burn bans
• How to heat efficiently and       cleanly