Stage 1 burn bans in effect for Pierce, Snohomish counties

TACOMA - Here we go again.  Stagnant weather conditions, rising air pollution has forced the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) to issue stage 1 burn bans for Pierce and Snohmish counties.   The ban is in effect until further notice.

The PSCAA press release has the following information that all homeowners need to know:

The purpose of a burn ban is to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air usually due to excessive wood smoke. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Weather conditions contributing to the ban are cold temperatures, clear skies, and little to no wind. We expect the same conditions Sunday night, which will likely lead to higher air pollution levels again; especially in areas where wood burning is common. Agency forecasters will continue to monitor the situation closely.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

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).