Community Corner

Burn Ban Issued For Puget Sound Area

That means no burning in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves unless that is the only source of heat. The ban started at 4 p.m Wednesday.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCA) has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties effective at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 as a high-pressure weather front holds local airborne pollution in place over the Seattle Metro area.

That means no burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves and inserts in Mercer Island and across those counties until further notice, unless that is your only source of heat.

"Air quality is expected to degrade significantly Thursday and Friday as high pressure in the region will result in very stagnant air," said PSCA Forecaster Erik Saganic.

No visible smoke is allowed from any wood stove or fireplace beyond a 20-minute start-up period, even if it is the only adequate source of heat.

Burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution levels rise to unhealthy levels.

Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Forecast for King County

Today and Tomorrow's Forecast Thursday, Jan 12: Moderate Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Friday, Jan 13: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Extended Forecast Saturday, Jan 14: Good Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Sunday, Jan 15: Good Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Monday, Jan 16: Good Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Tuesday, Jan 17: Good Particle Pollution (2.5 microns)

— Information provided by STI based on EPA data


Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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