Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County, effective 1 p.m. today, January 7, 2016.
Air quality has worsened in Greater Pierce, and we expect these conditions will continue through tomorrow, and possibly well into the weekend. Pollution levels in Snohomish County are already “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and we expect the Greater Pierce County area to reach those levels tomorrow.
A broad high pressure weather pattern will result in calm and cold conditions, with evening and morning inversions, which can trap pollution near the ground. This dry and calm weather pattern may extend into early next week. We may also add or subtract counties from the ban as conditions dictate through the weekend, so stay posted. We’ll continue to provide daily updates through the burn bans.
Pierce County residents on the “Pierce Peninsula” (Gig Harbor Fire #5, Key Peninsula #16, Anderson Island #27) and in “South Pierce” county (Roy Fire #17, Eatonville, Ashford #23) are not included in today’s burn ban. Check the Pierce County Burn Ban Area Map for more specific information.
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.
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 OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during both a Stage 1 & 2 burn bans.
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 www.pscleanair.org/burnban to view the current burn ban status, download our mobile app, and other burn ban alert options for you area.
The following burn ban status text message alerts are available in Pierce County:
• All Pierce County text PIERCEBURN to 313131
• Pierce Peninsula text PENINSULA to 313131
• South Pierce County text SOUTHPIERCE to 313131
