Pierce County Burn Ban Lifted Wednesday

PIERCE COUNTY, WA - A stage 2 burn ban that went into effect Tuesday for the greater Pierce County region due to stagnant weather and increasing air pollution was lifted Wednesday morning, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA).

All Pierce County residents except those on the "Pierce Peninsula" and in South Pierce County were included in the ban, which prohibited the use of all wood-burning fireplaces, certified or uncertified wood stoves, and/or fireplace inserts, officials said. (See the map below for details.)

"Residents should rely instead on their home's other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters)," officials said in a statement, noting "the only exception is if the homeowner has a previously approved ‘No Other Adequate Source of Heat’ designation from the Clean Air Agency."

The use of natural gas and propane stoves or inserts was reportedly still allowed.

In addition to indoor wood burning the agency also temporarily banned all outdoor fires, including bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas. Violators faced fines up to $1,000.

The ban was issued after PCSAA officials recorded "a substantial spike in fine particle pollution in South Tacoma, likely from fireworks or late night/early morning burning" following New Year's celebrations Tuesday morning.

"The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising," officials said in a statement. "Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to people with lung and heart problems, people with diabetes, children, and older adults (over age 65)."

Click here to see the current air quality burn ban status at pscleanair.org.

Pierce County residents may also receive air quality text alerts by sending a text to 313131 with one of the following keywords:

• PIERCEBURN for all of Pierce County
• PENINSULA for the Pierce Peninsula
• SOUTHPIERCE for South Pierce County

Use the graphic below to see where your home lands on the map.

For more information, or to submit a title VI Complaint, go to www.pscleanair.org or call 206-343-8800.

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This post was updated from its original version to note the burn ban had been lifted.

Image via Shutterstock