A stage 1 burn ban that was imposed on Dec. 29 in Okanogan, Kittitas, Chelan and Douglas, counties has been further extended to 10 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 12), the state Department of Ecology (DOE) announced.
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. Air quality conditions have not improved since the ban was first imposed, DOE said.
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.
