OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) lifted the Stage 1 burn ban in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties on Saturday, Jan. 19. The ban on outdoor burning and use of uncertified wood stoves remains in Kittitas County until further notice.

A Stage 1 ban applies to the use of uncertified wood-burning-devices (including wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces) and to all outdoor burning.

Ecology’s burn bans do not apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction.

Smoke from outdoor burning and wood-burning devices builds up where cold air is trapped near the ground. Fine particles in smoke are so small they can easily get into your lungs. Once there, they can cause heart and breathing problems, and even death. Children, people with asthma and respiratory illnesses, and adults older than 65 are most at risk.