AIR TIME: Burn bans remain through weekend in 9 Central and Eastern Washington counties

By Joye Redfield-Wilder, communications manager, Central Regional Office

Conditions remain uncooperative in Central and Eastern Washington where Stage 1 burn bans have been continued until at least 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, in nine counties. Burn bans have been in place since Christmas Eve.

The ban affects Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Asotin and Walla Walla counties, where smoke hasn’t dispersed since earlier this week and forecasts remain poor through the weekend, though temporary clearing is possible in some areas.

The ban includes all outdoor burning.

A Stage 1 ban applies to uncertified wood-burning devices – including fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts –unless they are a home's only adequate source of heat. Certified wood-burning devices and pellet stoves are allowed.

For burn ban updates, check online at www.waburnbans.net.

---