It appears that Santa Claus won’t have to worry about dodging fires in the fireplace this year. Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Snohomish County, effective at 4 p.m. Dec. 24.

This ban is in effect until further notice.

With cold temperatures, low wind speeds and dry air forecast for Thursday night and into Friday, air pollution levels in Snohomish County are expected to reach levels that are unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse.

“We need to keep our air healthy every day of the year,” said Craig Kenworthy, Executive Director of the Clean Air Agency. “Unfortunately, stagnant conditions don’t pay attention to the calendar and a burn ban is necessary. Please consider those who suffer when pollution levels are high.”

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.

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.