A burn ban is a ban on indoor and outdoor burning that is
called when winter weather conditions are especially cold
and still. These weather conditions, called inversions, cause
pollution -- mostly particles from wood smoke, but also emissions
from cars and trucks -- to be trapped close to the ground. Our
air quality can quickly deteriorate when the weather doesn't give
us the breeze we need to clean away our daily air pollution.
When air pollution begins reaching levels that may trigger a
burn ban, we ask media and business partners to help alert
citizens. There are a number of simple actions that you can do to
help prevent bad winter air.
life insurance TV and radio weather reports are an especially good source of information about weather conditions and a possible burn ban. Remember, 'burn bans' are usually called only when weather conditions are cold and still. If it's very cold and still outside, you might want to voluntarily stop burning in your fireplace or uncertified wood stove. Even before we might need to call a burn ban, we try to let people know through the news media of the risk for bad air.
You can also call our burn ban information number, 1-800-595-4341. - Or better still, check this web site when weather might create conditions for a burn ban. If a burn ban is on, the icon on the home page will give you our most recent information.
There are two kinds of burn ban: Stage I and Stage II.
Stage I: No burning is allowed in fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves unless it is your only adequate source of heat. This ban applies to residences in the counties where the ban is called.
Stage II: No burning is allowed in fireplaces and woodstoves (certified or not) unless it is your only adequate source of heat. The ban applies to residences in the counties where the ban is called.
When a burn ban is called, all outdoor burning also is banned throughout the counties affected. This also applies to areas outside the urban growth areas, where burning is still allowed. If a large outdoor burn is in progress, the fire department or Department of Natural Resources will ask that no new wood be added to the fire. Smaller fires will be extinguished.
The wintertime burn ban program is one of the most successful air quality programs in agency history. Since its beginnings in 1988, we have been able to consistently reduce wood smoke pollution in our residential neighborhoods. A University of Washington study shows that 'burn bans' have reduced wood smoke particles by 25-35 percent. The number of 'burn bans' per year has decreased in the last few years, a sign that public education and enforcement efforts work together.
1998 -- None, so far!
1997 -- Two burn bans, January 13-16 and February 6-11
1996 -- One burn ban
1995 -- One burn ban
1994 -- No burn bans
1993 -- Six burn bans
1992 -- Four burn bans
1991 -- Four burn bans
1990 -- Three burn bans
1989 -- Six burn bans
1988 -- Five burn bans
The Washington State Department of Ecology maintains a list of all woodstoves certified in the State of Washington.
Updated December 1998
