Local News

Stage 1 burn ban called for Okanogan County

Jan 12, 2015

A Stage 1 burn ban in Okanogan County begins at 4 p.m. today (Jan. 12) and continues at least through 10 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 15).

The Washington Department of Ecology forecasts stagnant air conditions in the region, putting the county at risk for air pollution to reach unhealthy levels.

Under a Stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited including residential, agricultural and forest burning. Use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified wood-burning devices is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.

Call 866-211-6284 if you think someone is illegally burning or you are impacted by smoke.

Up-to-date burn ban information is available at www.waburnbans.net.

Ecology’s burn bans do not apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction. Call 800-424-4372 for tribal burn ban information or visit EPA’s Washington Burn Ban page on their website.