Update December 2 :
As of 12 p.m. this afternoon the burn ban for King County has been lifted. PSCAA expects to see increased wind speeds throughout today and pollution levels are forecasted to fall to moderate.
Original Post:
Due to stagnant weather conditions and rising air pollution ,the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) has issued a burn ban for the entirety King County which came into effect at 1 p.m. yesterday.
The burn ban is currently at “stage two” level which bans burning in any wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves.
For Seattle Parks and Recreation, this means that beach fires at Golden Gardens Park (8498 Seaview Ave NW) are also prohibited until the ban is lifted.
The PSCAA issues air quality burn bans when air pollution rises, or is forecasted to reach, unhealthy levels. “Fine particle pollution levels continue to be high in areas throughout the Puget Sound region, especially in neighborhoods where wood-burning is common,” writes the PSCAA.
The front expected this evening is showing rain and winds that will clear the air. However, daytime winds will not be sufficient to significantly reduce pollution levels in King and Pierce counties, especially in areas where wood burning is common.
Residents are advised to rely on their home’s other source of heat such as a furnace or electric baseboard heaters until air quality improves and the ban is lifted. The only exception to this ban is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency
Locals who violate the ban could face a $1,000 fine from the PSCAA. The My Ballard team will update readers when the burn ban is lifted.
To learn more about the burn ban click here.
