Showing posts with label burn ban. Show all posts
Showing posts with label burn ban. Show all posts

Burn bans lifted in Snohomish and Pierce counties - King county spared

Monday, November 30, 2015

In spite of the air inversion that kept the fog close to the ground, King county has escaped a burn ban.

The bans for Snohomish county and Pierce county, which had reached stage 2, have been lifted. The weather is expected to shift soon, removing the concerns and the remaining bans in Puget Sound.



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Burn bans in Snohomish and Pierce counties

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Because of an air inversion, a stage 2 burn ban has been called for Snohomish County, and a state 1 ban for Pierce County.

So far no bans have been called for King County.



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Burn ban on Washington state lands

Thursday, June 25, 2015

DNR expands burn ban to include western Washington

With heat and drought rapidly increasing fire danger in western Washington, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expanded last week’s burn ban from DNR-protected lands in eastern Washington to include those west of the Cascades. The statewide burn ban will run from June 22 through September 30, 2015.

The statewide burn ban applies to state forests, state parks and forest lands under DNR fire protection.
  
It does not include federally owned lands such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges or other areas administered by federal agencies.

In 2015 so far, there have been 306 wildfire starts throughout the state. Last year’s fire season was the biggest on record in Washington, with the largest state fire ever, the Carlton Complex, destroying more than 250,000 acres. More than 1 million acres of Washington’s landscape has been consumed by wildfire since 2009. 

The statewide burn ban applies to all outdoor burning on DNR-protected forestlands with the exception of recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds. Charcoal briquettes may be used only in approved campground fire pits. 

Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns, or tracer ammunition, are illegal on all DNR-protected forestlands.

DNR’s wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands.

DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department, with more than 1,000 employees trained and available to be dispatched to fires as needed. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 400 seasonal employees hired for firefighting duties.

Additionally, adult offenders from the Department of Corrections and juvenile offenders from the Department of Social and Health Services-Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration support firefighting efforts through DNR’s Correctional Camps Program. DNR also participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.



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All burn bans lifted

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Effective immediately, all burn bans are being lifted in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, as well as Darrington. With the help of rain and wind, air pollution levels everywhere dropped to GOOD or lower Moderate last night.

While agency forecasters do expect only light winds during the day today and into tonight, an approaching weather system should increase winds and rain late tonight and into Sunday.  This will again help disperse our air pollution and keep levels low for the next 2-3 days.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency would like to thank everyone who switched to alternative sources of heat instead of burning wood during these bans.  Children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory health problems especially appreciate your efforts.


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Stage 1 Burn Ban called for King County

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has called a Stage 1 Burn Ban in King County, elevating Pierce and Snohomish counties to Stage 2 Burn Bans, and continuing the Stage 2 Burn Ban in Darrington, effective at noon today, New Year's Day.  

Use of fireplaces and wood stoves is prohibited until air quality improves. These bans remain in effect until further notice.

Last night, air pollution levels in both Pierce and Snohomish Counties increased further.  King County also showed widespread increases in air pollution levels. Cold temperatures and calm winds are expected to continue into Friday, which will allow pollution levels to again build rapidly; especially in areas where wood burning is common.

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:

  •  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 chimneys.

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. 


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Burn ban lifted in King County

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The King County stage 1 burn ban was lifted as of noon Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency expects to see increased wind speeds throughout Tuesday and pollution levels are forecasted to fall to MODERATE.



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Stage One burn ban continues in King County

Monday, December 1, 2014

Due to continued stagnant weather conditions and air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is maintaining a Stage 1 burn ban for King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

This ban remains in effect until further notice.

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. 

No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts. 

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.


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Stage 1 burn ban for King county issued Sunday

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a Stage 1 burn ban for King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, effective at 1PM Sunday, November 30th.

This ban is in effect until further notice.
  
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 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).



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Burn Bans lifted for King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties

Thursday, December 26, 2013


Effective at 11:00am. December 26, 2013, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency lifted the Stage 1 air quality burn bans for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The Clean Air Agency appreciates the public's cooperation with the burn ban and encourages people to check current air quality and burn ban status before they burn. Conditions can change quickly this time of year.
For more information:


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


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Burn ban for King County

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Sorry - no roaring fires for Christmas - the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage One burn ban for the whole county (Pierce and Snohomish, too), effective 5pm December 25, 2013.



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Burn Ban ends for King County

Monday, December 9, 2013


The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has ended Burn Bans for King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties effective at 10am December 9, 2013.

No Burn Bans are currently in effect for King, Kitsap, Pierce or Snohomish Counties.

An increase in wind speeds is expected this evening and possible precipitation later in the day. Pollution is not likely to build to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups and clearing is expected once a front comes in and wind speeds increase.


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Burn Ban issued for King County

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Due to continuing stagnant weather conditions and additional increases in air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King County, elevating Snohomish County to Stage 2, and continuing the Stage 1 in Pierce County; effective at 12:00pm Sunday, December 8, 2013. The bans are in effect until further notice.

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. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home's only adequate source of heat.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimneys.
  • 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.


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Burn ban lifted in King County

Thursday, November 28, 2013


The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has lifted the burn ban for King County and Kitsap County. A Stage 1 ban remains in effect for Snohomish County and Stage 2 for Pierce County, which was the first county to be issued a ban.




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Burn Ban in King County updated to Stage 2

Monday, November 25, 2013

Use of fire pits is prohibited during a Stage 2 burn ban.
Photo (and fire pit) by Roy Mangel

To protect public health from worsening air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is elevating the burn ban for King and Snohomish counties to Stage 2, effective at 2:00pm November 25, 2013. A Stage 2 burn ban remains in effect for Pierce County.

These bans remain in effect until further notice.

Sunday night fine particle pollution levels spiked in many areas throughout the Puget Sound region, especially in neighborhoods where wood-burning is common.

During a Stage 2 burn ban:

  • No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet 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. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home's only adequate source of heat.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimneys.
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 2 burn ban.



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Stage 1 Burn Ban in King County

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Three county burn ban in effect
until further notice
Rising air pollution prompts region-wide burn bans

A Stage 2 burn ban remains in effect for Pierce County and now King and Snohomish counties have been announced for a Stage 1 burn ban.

To protect public health from worsening air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a Stage 1 burn ban for King and Snohomish counties, effective 2:00pm Sunday, November 24, 2013.  

These bans remain in effect until further notice.

Last night fine particle pollution levels spiked in many areas throughout the Puget Sound region, especially in neighborhoods where wood-burning is common.

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. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home's only adequate source of heat.
  • No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineys.
  • 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).

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is an air quality management agency serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Created as a result of the 1967 Washington Clean Air Act, the agency protects public health by adopting and enforcing air quality regulations, educating individuals and businesses about clean-air choices and sponsoring voluntary initiatives to improve air quality.


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Fire Marshal calls for burn ban in King County

Friday, July 26, 2013

Fire pit and photo by Roy Mangel


As hot and dry weather conditions continue, the outdoor fire danger has increased. In response King County is issuing a fire safety burn ban in unincorporated areas of the County effective July 29, 2013.

This is a Phase 1 burn ban and applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner’s permission.  

Recreational fires must:

  • Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds; and not be used as debris disposal;
  • Grow no larger than three feet in diameter;
  • Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches; and
  • Be attended at all times by an alert individual and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire.

For more information, visit the King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review Fire Marshal website.


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Burn bans lifted for King and Snohomish counties

Monday, January 21, 2013


The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is lifting the air quality burn bans in King and Snohomish counties, effective at 1pm on January 21, 2013. A Stage 1 burn ban continues for Pierce County until further notice.

"We are lifting the burn bans in King and Snohomish counties because winds are picking up and temperatures are warming," said Dr. Phil Swartzendruber, agency forecaster. "But Pierce County is still under the influence of cold and calm conditions, which could cause pollution to build up in areas where wood-burning is common. We need to keep a Stage 1 burn ban in effect to protect air quality in those communities."

Clean Air Agency staff follow a protocol set by state law to determine when and where to issue a burn ban, and when to lift a burn ban.


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King County Stage 1 burn ban returns

Friday, January 18, 2013

no burning

Due to continuing cold weather and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King County, effective at 4 p.m. on January 18, 2013. A Stage 2 burn ban continues for Pierce County and a Stage 1 burn ban continues for Snohomish County. These bans are in effect until further notice. 

"This weekend we're expecting calm and cold conditions to continue throughout the region, which is why we're issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King County," said Dr. Phil Swartzendruber, agency forecaster. "In neighborhoods where wood-burning is common, air pollution levels could easily reach the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS category.
"We encourage everyone who doesn't rely on wood heat to use instead their home's cleaner source of heat until weather conditions change."

Clean Air Agency staff follow a protocol set by state law to determine when and where to issue a burn ban, and when to lift a burn ban.

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).

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

For more information:



Read more...

Stage 2 Burn Ban in effect for King county - indoor and outdoor

Monday, January 14, 2013

Photo courtesy New York
Dept of Environmental Svcs

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to protect residents from worsening air quality.  The bans are effective at noon, Sunday, January 13, 2013 and remain in effect until further notice.

Overnight, many areas around the Puget Sound reached air pollution levels of “UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS”, especially in areas where wood burning is common. Agency forecasters expect the current cold, dry, and stagnant weather conditions to extend well into the week. The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the air quality and weather situation.

During a Stage 2 burn ban: 

  • No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet 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. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
  • 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 2 burn ban.

Just blow it out
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: 

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is an air quality management agency serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Created as a result of the 1967 Washington Clean Air Act, the agency protects public health by adopting and enforcing air quality regulations, educating individuals and businesses about clean-air choices and sponsoring voluntary initiatives to improve air quality.

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Burn Ban lifted in King County

Tuesday, October 16, 2012


King County Fire Marshal lifts ban that has been in place since July

The King County Fire Marshal has lifted a Phase 1 burn ban as of Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 8am in conjunction with King County Fire Chiefs' Association.

A burn ban was activated for unincorporated King County on July 15, 2011, and applied to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner's permission.

For more information on local fire restrictions, the public can call 1-800-323-BURN or visit the King County Fire Marshal Services website




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