MAPLE FALLS, Wash. — Officials with the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) announced this afternoon, Thursday, January 13th, that a Stage 1 “air quality burn ban” would be in effect beginning at 9pm.
Today’s announcement said there are forecasts of too much smoke in the Columbia Valley area of Maple Falls.
The following are not permitted during a Stage 1 air quality burn ban,
- No burning in fireplaces or uncertified woodstoves, unless it is the only adequate source of heat
- No outdoor burning, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned
- No visible smoke is allowed from any woodstove or fireplace, certified or not, beyond a 20-minute startup period
No estimate was provided for when the ban may be lifted.