Burn ban lifted in Pierce, Snohomish counties

Update 11/16 12:49 p.m.:

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has lifted the Stage 1 air quality burn ban that went into effect in greater Pierce and Snohomish counties Monday. The ban will end 1 p.m. Wednesday,

“We expect strong windy conditions tonight and tomorrow which will help with the clearing and maintain GOOD air quality until Friday morning. We are expecting stagnant conditions to returning on Friday and through the weekend and will reassess when then,” PSCAA said in a statement lifting the ban.

Original: 

A Stage 1 Burn Ban has been issued in Pierce and Snohomish counties by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency which went into effect 3 p.m. Sunday.

The ban prohibits burning fires in fireplaces, on uncertified wood stoves, and outdoors. Visible smoke from any device is also prohibited.

Wood stoves certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, pellet stoves, and natural gas or propane stoves or inserts are permitted to be used.

“There were high levels of wood smoke last night in wood-burning areas. And while there will be clearing during the day, we expect high levels again tonight,” according to the PSCAA website. “This could lead to daily values of ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ in those areas and ‘Moderate’ air quality overall. Stagnant conditions are expected to persist through the middle of the week.”

Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for Greater Pierce and Snohomish Counties, effective 3:00 PM today, November 13, 2022. Learn more at https://t.co/VhUWCQElpC. pic.twitter.com/JWESTROgDC

— PS Clean Air Agency (@pscleanair) November 13, 2022

More information on current air quality in the region can be found here.