Sunday, January 20, 2013

Poor Air Quality Prompts Burn Ban in Seattle

By Vickie Frantz, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
January 20,2013; 9:11PM,EST



Reduced air quality has made a burn ban necessary for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties in Washington State. Seattle is in King County.
"The air is chilly close to the ground, but it's warmer at higher elevations," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Frank Strait. " When this happens, the air near the ground gets trapped in place, including any pollutants."
No outside burning is allowed and a restriction on using fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is also in place.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued the burn ban and violators will be subject to a fine of $1000. According to their website, special considerations will be made for low income families who depend on fireplaces or wood stoves for heat.
"A change in the weather pattern by mid-week will bring a storm in off the Pacific. Seattle can expect some rain and there will be some snow in the Cascades," Strait said.
The storm system will help reduce the air quality problems.

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