Fyi... Burn ban begins tonight in Pierce, Snohomish counties<http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/2011/11/30/burn-ban-begins-tonight-in-pierce-snohomish-counties/> Post by Stacey Mulick<http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/author/Stacey%20Mulick> / The News Tribune on Nov. 30, 2011 at 1:20 pm with 3 Comments ><http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/2011/11/30/burn-ban-begins-tonight-in-pierce-snohomish-counties/#comments> November 30, 2011 1:38 pm A burn ban will go into effect this evening in Pierce and Snohomish counties because of rising air pollution levels and the stagnant weather conditions that are in the forecast. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued the Stage 1 ban<http://www.pscleanair.org/news/newsroom/releases/2011/11_30_11_burn_ban_pie-sno1.aspx> this afternoon. The ban, the first of the cold-weather season in the region, begins at 5 p.m. and will be in effect until further notice. "A large ridge of high pressure off the Pacific Coast is expected to bring cold evenings and poor ventilation to the Pacific Northwest for the next several days," the agency reported in announcing the burn ban. "Pollution levels are expected to rise throughout the Puget Sound region, but especially in Pierce and Snohomish county communities where residential wood burning is common." The agency added that air pollution levels could reach "unhealthy for sensitive groups." No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves during a Stage 1 burn ban. In addition, no outdoor fires are allowed. Violators face a $1,000 fine. Read more: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/2011/11/30/burn-ban-begins-tonight-in-pierce-snohomish-counties/#ixzz1fETSXHf8