A Stage 1 burn ban remains in effect for Darrington.

These bans are in effect until further notice.

Air pollution in Snohomish County has reached levels that are “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.  We expect pollution in Pierce County to rise rapidly tonight.  Winds in King County and the far southern portion of Pierce County as well as over Kitsap County and the Key Peninsula will help keep these areas at “moderate” levels of pollution.

• Pierce County residents west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and in Fire District 25 (southwest Pierce County) are not included in today’s burn ban. See map below.

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 2 burn ban:

• No burning is allowed in any wood-burning fireplaces, certified or 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.

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 & 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).

You can download our free app: Burn Ban 411, for up to date information on burn bans throughout the Puget Sound area.  Visit our Burn Ban Status page and click the Mobile App tab for more information.

The following burn ban status text message alerts are available:

• PIERCEBURN to 313131 for Pierce County bans as a whole
• PENINSULA to 313131 for the Gig Harbor/west Pierce County area only
• SOUTHPIERCE to 313131 for the South Pierce area only

For more information:

• Visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” tab on our Burn Ban Status page
• Visit our Clean Heating Choices page
• Visit the Our Air Quality page