DARRINGTON — The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency banned all burning here, including the use of fireplaces and wood stoves, starting at noon on Monday and lasting until further notice.
The stage 2 burn ban was triggered by unhealthy levels of pollution from wood smoke in the Darrington area, according to the agency.
A stage 1 burn ban, which prohibits burning except for certified wood stoves or fireplace inserts, remained in effect for the rest of Snohomish County on Monday afternoon. At stage 2, burning also is banned for certified wood stoves and fireplaces, though natural gas and propane stoves are OK to use.
Homeowners with previous approval because they have no other adequate source of heat can continue to burn during the ban.
Outdoor fires are prohibited until the ban is lifted.
Violating a burn ban carries a fine of up to a $1,000, according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Older adults, young children and people with diabetes or heart and lung problems should limit their time outside, according to the state Department of Health. The pollution can trigger asthma attacks or worsen other breathing problems.
For updates on burn bans around the state, visit www.pscleanair.org.
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