Due to continuing stagnant weather conditions and additional increases in air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is elevating Snohomish County to a Stage 2 burn ban.
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, 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.
The bans are in effect until further notice.