Burn ban goes from stage 1 to stage 2 today at noon

Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

Due to stagnant weather conditions and elevated air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 2 burn ban for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, effective at 12:00 p.m. January 19, 2009.

Stagnant conditions in the lowlands of the Puget Sound area continue with no relief expected during the next 48 to 72 hours. Air pollution levels have risen sharply in some areas. Offshore winds are expected to weaken today, enhancing the impact of pollution being emitted into the air. This Stage 2 ban is expected to remain in place until Thursday.

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, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. 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.

This ban is in effect until further notice.

Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.

Link to more information: pscleanair.org