A burn ban imposed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has been downgraded to a less restrictive level.

It is now OK to use natural gas, propane and pellet stoves and newer, certified wood stoves or inserts. During the previous, stage 2 ban, all burning was prohibited unless it was a home’s only source of heat.

The latest stage 1 ban declared Tuesday applies to Snohomish, King and Pierce counties and will remain in effect until the weather changes.

Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty. For more information, go to www.pscleanair.org/.