EPA calls outdoor burn ban for Indian reservations in Washington

SEATTLE  – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has called a burn ban on all outdoor burning starting Monday, Dec. 31 for several Indian reservations in Washington due to stagnant air conditions as a high pressure system settles in the region. This burn ban will be in place until further notice.

The burn ban will be in effect for the following reservations: Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Stillaguamish and Tulalip.

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning, including camping and recreational fires within reservation boundaries. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the outdoor burn ban.

EPA also requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and idling of vehicles, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat.

Air pollution can have significant health impacts.  Cooperation from the community will help people who are at risk during this period.  Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with difficulty breathing and with heart and lung problems.  Those at risk should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible.

Please call 1-800-424-4EPA and ask for the FARR Hotline or visit the Federal Air Rules for Reservations (FARR) website for the current burn status at www.epa.gov/r10earth/FARR.htm.

 

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