The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued another Stage 1 air quality burn ban Tuesday afternoon for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
This comes as more wildfire smoke from British Columbia moves into the region. Last week, the agency put into effect a similar ban, which was lifted Monday.
The current ban is in effect until further notice and is in addition to existing fire safety burn bans.
With high pressure pushing more smoke into the Puget Sound area, the agency forecasts levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children, the elderly or those with respiratory problems, through Friday.
“We expect calm winds and smoke to settle daily,” according to a press release. “Saturday and onward, the area of high pressure should push eastward, bringing us back our more typical and cleaner air from the Pacific Ocean.”
The agency advises that sensitive groups — children, pregnant women, older adults, those with heart and breathing problems — should, when possible, seek clean, air-conditioned indoor air, such as at public libraries or community centers.
A Stage 1 air quality burn ban includes no burning of charcoal barbecues or similar solid fuel devices; no fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls or similar free-standing devices; no campfires or bonfires; no fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or uncertified inserts; and no agricultural fires.
It is OK to use natural gas and propane grills, stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 ban.
“The purpose of the burn ban is to reduce any additional harm to sensitive populations for excess air pollution and is in addition to existing fire safety burn bans,” the press release reads. “The Clean Air Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation for purposes of air quality burn bans.”