A Stage 1 air quality burn ban has been issued for Kitsap County. The ban is in effect until further notice.
During the ban, no outdoor burning is allowed. The ban includes charcoal barbecues and similar solid-fuel devices. Also banned are camfires, fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves. No agricultural fires are allowed, either.
Grills and stoves that use natural gas or propane are still allowed, however.
After several days of respite, smoke from wildfires returned to Kitsap County over the weekend.
The return prompted the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to issue an air quality warning Sunday for across the Puget Sound region.
According to the agency, air quality levels are going up more quickly than expected, and the area is reaching unhealthy levels for everyone in some areas. The agency recommend everyone stay indoors when possible.
“With winds pushing smoke from British Columbia and the fires in the Cascades in our direction, we expect poor air quality to continue through Wednesday,” a press release stated.
Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems:
• Trouble breathing
• Coughing
• Stinging eyes
• Irritated sinuses
• Headaches
• Asthma attack
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat
Everyone should take precautions, especially children, older adults, and people that are pregnant, have heart or lung issues (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD), or that have had a stroke:
• Stay indoors when possible.
• Limit your physical activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor and sports.
• Close windows in your home, if possible, and keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use the “recirculation” switch. Use an indoor air filter if available.
• If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like a public library or a community center.
• Avoid driving when possible. If you must drive, keep the windows closed. If you use the car’s fan or air conditioning, make sure the system recirculates air from inside the car; don’t pull air from outside.
• Schools, camps, sports teams and daycare providers should consider postponing outdoor activities or moving them indoors.
• N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution. These masks are usually available at hardware and home repair stores. Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you.
