The burn ban is lifted in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties as of Saturday.<\/p>\n
Effective immediately, there no air quality burn bans in effect in the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
Fire safety burn bans are still in effect. Contact your county fire marshal for more information.<\/p>\n
The Puget Sound has returned to mostly good and moderate air quality due to shifting winds bringing cleaner air at the surface (breathing level). Officials expect the weather pattern, and good and moderate air quality, to continue through the weekend and into next week.<\/p>\n
While the regional air quality has improved substantially, there are still some local issues and longer term issues that officials will continue to monitor. Smaller wildfires near Darrington have raised the pollution levels to near unhealthy for sensitive groups. Also, ozone levels in the Cascade foothills have been elevated and may reach unhealthy for sensitive groups in the afternoon for the next several days.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, significant amounts of wildfire smoke may remain in the region at higher altitudes although the surface air (breathing level) has improved substantially. Haze is likely to be visible, and it possible that officials may see isolated, localized pollution spikes within the next week.<\/p>\n
Officials will continue to monitor the conditions closely and send out updates as needed.<\/p>\n