What is the background of air quality burn bans?

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has been issuing wintertime air quality burn bans during episodes of poor air quality since the late 1980s. During these burn bans, the Agency has prohibited the use of primarily uncertified wood stoves and fireplaces in order to reduce pollution and lessen the impact on public health.

The air quality burn ban program has evolved over the years to reflect updates in health information and mandated air quality standards.

More restrictive air quality burn ban requirements began in the 2008-2009 heating season, prompted by a more protective law enacted by the 2008 Washington State Legislature to align with stricter air quality health standards adopted in late 2006 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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1. What is an air quality burn ban?
2. What’s the difference between a Stage 1 and Stage 2 air quality burn ban?
3. Who can issue an air quality burn ban?
4. Why do you call air quality burn bans?
5. Where do you call air quality burn bans?
6. When and how are air quality burn ban conditions determined?
7. It’s windy outside. Why is there an air quality burn ban?
8. The Air Quality Index (AQI) says air quality is “good or moderate.” Why is there an air quality burn ban?
9. Why does an air quality burn ban apply to the entire county? How can every area in the county have unhealthy air?
10. Why are there so many more air quality burn bans for Pierce and Snohomish counties but not in the major metropolitan areas in King County? Is Seattle air cleaner?
11. Why does Pierce County now have three different air quality burn ban “zones”?
12. Which Pierce county air quality burn ban zone am I in?
13. How can I find out when an air quality burn ban has been issued or cancelled?
14. What should I do if I already have a fire going when an air quality burn ban is called or elevated?
15. How do you know if I’m violating the air quality burn ban?
16. What is the penalty for violating an air quality burn ban?
17. What’s the difference between an air quality and fire safety burn ban?
18. How can I tell if my wood stove or fireplace insert is certified?
19. What if I rely on my wood stove because my primary electric/oil/propane heat is too expensive?
20. What does "adequate source of heat" mean?
21. What if burning wood is the only way I can heat my home?
22. What is the background of air quality burn bans?
23. Didn’t find an answer to your question?