Stage 1 Burn Ban Lifted for Snohomish County Including Mukilteo

As of 2pm today, December 11, the Stage 1 Burn Ban for multiple counties including Snohomish has been lifted.

The following is informational only.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a State 1 burn ban in Snohomish County effective at 2PM today, December 8, 2018, and lifted it at 2pm Monday December 12.

The purpose of the ban was to reduce the amount of pollution that is creating unhealthy air, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will continue to monitor the situation.

This burn ban was a result of stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution. The National Weather Service issued an Air Stagnation Advisory through Monday, although the advisory may be extended further into the week. A high pressure system over our region is keeping our weather clear and calm, but pollution levels are building due to residential wood burning and a lack of wind to blow the pollution away.

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’ exemption from the Puget Sound 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 OK 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).

Visit pscleanair.org/burnban to view the current burn ban status.

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