Brrrr. Chilly-weather season has landed in communities and neighborhoods all across the Evergreen State. (“Chilly”? It’s already downright frosty for many Washington denizens of the deep freeze!) “Frightful,” indeed, are some of the elements outside. But as “delightful” as a crackling fire no doubt feels inside, folks are well-advised to respect any burn bans that might be in place for their county.
The state Department of Ecology has information on “Stage 1” burn bans, including a specific list of counties where these prohibitions are in effect. Such bans forbid “the use of uncertified wood-burning devices — including fireplaces, wood stoves, and inserts,” as well as “all outdoor burning.” The wood-burning devices are banned during a stage 1 event — “unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat.” A civil penalty awaits anyone caught violating a burn ban. You can report violators by calling Ecology’s smoke complaint hotline (1-866-211-6284).
While people with asthma should pay particular attention to the department’s air-quality reports, even a “moderate” air-pollution advisory can present breathing problems for those individuals who have a respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or who have had a stroke.