E.P.A. Declares Outdoor Burn Ban for Indian Reservations in Snohomish and Pierce Counties;

The E.P.A. is declaring a ban on all outdoor open burning on the Tulalip, Stillaguamish, Sauk-Suiattle and Puyallup Indian Reservations in Washington due to stagnant air conditions and elevated air pollution. These conditions are expected to last at least through the weekend. This ban is effective noon today, January 8, 2016, until further notice.

E.P.A. is continuing a ban on all outdoor open burning on the Yakama Nation Reservation due to persisting stagnant air conditions and air pollution levels in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range. This ban continues until further notice.

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires, in all areas, regardless of ownership or tribal membership, within external reservation boundaries. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban if they are considered necessary. For areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department.

E.P.A. requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution as much as possible, including excess driving and idling of vehicles, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces unless they are the only adequate source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts. Cooperation from the community will help people who are most at risk during this period, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or difficulty breathing, or heart problems. Those sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. Under the most severe pollution levels all residents should restrict their activities.

Questions or concerns about the Yakama burn ban can be directed to the Yakama Nation Air Quality Section at 509-865-5121, extension 6078.

For current burn ban status, please visit: https://waburnbans.net/, contact E.P.A. at 1-800-424-4372 or by email at [email protected].

Find more information online at: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/tribal.nsf/programs/farr-burn-bans.

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