Air Time: Stage 1 burn ban in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties

A Stage 1 burn ban for Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties has been issued for 4 p.m. today (Dec. 9) by the Washington Department of Ecology. Poor dispersion is expected to degrade air quality over the next few days. The ban will continue at least until 10 a.m. Friday.  

All outdoor burning – including residential, agricultural and forest burning – is prohibited.  

Under a Stage 1 ban the use of uncertified wood-burning devices – including fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts – is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat.  

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

By limiting burning and following restrictions when burn bans are called, residents can help improve air quality sooner.  

Ecology’s burn bans do not apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction

See a list of certified wood stoves and other information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/indoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm

Tips on getting the most heat from your firewood: http://burndryfirewood.com/