By Staff
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The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues temporary bans on indoor and outdoor burning when the weather trends toward stagnant conditions, such as air inversions, which trap fine particle pollution emitted from our chimneys, cars, trucks and other activities. Our air quality can deteriorate quickly when the weather doesn't give us the breeze we need to clean away our daily air pollution, which is why taking action to curb burning can help keep our air healthy.
What is banned during a burn ban?
The agency issues the following bans:
Stage I. During a Stage I burn ban:
No burning is allowed in fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves, unless it is your only adequate source of heat. This includes the use of manufactured logs such as Duraflame or Javalogs.
You can use pellet stoves, EPA-certified wood stoves and natural gas or propane fireplaces.
No visible smoke is allowed from any solid fuel burning devices, beyond a 20 minute start-up period.
Stage II. During a Stage II burn ban:
No burning is allowed in any fireplace, pellet stove or wood stove (certified or not), unless it is your only adequate source of heat.
You can use natural gas or propane fireplaces.
No visible smoke is allowed from any solid fuel burning device at any time.
All outdoor burning is prohibited during a burn ban, even in areas where otherwise permitted by law.
Air Quality vs. Fire Safety Burn Bans
What's the Difference?
Air quality burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution levels rise to unhealthy levels.
During an air quality burn ban, the use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited, unless this is your only source of heat.
All outdoor fires are banned.
Air quality burn bans typically occur during fall and winter months and may last for up to a week or more.
Fire safety burn bans are issued and enforced by local fire departments when dry weather conditions heighten the risk of wildfires.
During a fire safety burn ban, outdoor fires are used to burn yard debris, land-clearing debris, and agricultural residue are prohibited. Recreational fires may also be prohibited.
Fire safety burn bans are generally called during the summer and can last for several months, even into the fall.
The air agency is not responsible for issuing or enforcing fire safety burn bans; we are happy to provide information about them as a courtesy to our local fire marshals.
For more on fire safety bans, visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.