A stage 1 burn ban was imposed Tuesday (Dec. 29) beginning at 4 p.m. in Okanogan, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Asotin and Walla Walla counties, the state Department of Ecology (DOE) announced. The ban will continue through at least 10 a.m. on Monday (Jan. 4), DOE said.
DOE said it imposed the ban because stagnant air conditions are forecast in the region, putting the counties at risk for air pollution to reach unhealthy levels.
Under a stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited including residential, agricultural and forest burning. Use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified wood-burning devices is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.
Call (866) 211-6284 if you think someone is illegally burning or you are impacted by smoke. Up-to-date burn ban information is available at www.waburnbans.net.
