Stage 1 Burn Ban Issued for Pierce County Indoor and outdoor burning restrictions apply FEBRUARY 3, 2012 -- To protect public health from rising air pollution levels, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban in Pierce County, effective at 4 p.m. today. This ban is in effect until further notice. High pressure is building east of the Cascade Mountains through the weekend. Dry, stagnant air is expected in Pierce County, resulting in rising air pollution, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. With stagnant conditions expected to continue through the weekend and beyond, pollution levels could reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category at some locations. Clean Air Agency staff follow a protocol set by state law to determine when and where to issue a burn ban, and when to lift a burn ban. During a Stage 1 burn ban: * No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home's other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home's only adequate source of heat. * No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas. It also includes burning yard waste and storm debris. Please take advantage of storm debris disposal options offered by Pierce County<http://blog.piercecountywa.org/emergency/2012/01/26/reminders-garbage-recycling-and-storm-debris/> and the City of Tacoma<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?nid=185>. * Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty. It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban. http://www.pscleanair.org/news/newsroom/releases/2012/02_03_12_burn_ban_pie1.aspx