Often in the wintertime when the skies clear and the winds calm like they have the past couple of days, the air stagnates.
In order reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air usually due to excessive wood smoke, a Stage 1 Burn Ban has been issued for Snohomish County as of 5 p.m. today (Nov. 14). The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation.
During a Stage 1 burn ban: - No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. 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.
- The only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved "No Other Adequate Source of Heat' designation from the Clean Air Agency
- 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 okay to use natural gas and propane 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).
For up-to-date burn ban information for the Puget Sound area, download the free app: "Burn Ban 411."
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