Stage 1 burn ban declared in Thurston County

Outdoor burning, and fires in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves is banned in Thurston County with the declaration of a stage one burn ban Monday, according to the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.

Additionally, no visible smoke is allowed from any wood stove or fireplace, certified or not, beyond a 20-minute start-up period.

A system of stable, high pressure over Western Washington, coupled with cold overnight temperatures has resulted in air pollution levels climbing enough to raise concerns about the air quality and its impacts on health. No change in the weather is expected for several days.