“A Stage One Burn Ban has been EXTENDED for Thurston County and will remain in effect at least until Monday morning. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time to determine when the ban can be lifted.

Under a Stage 1 Ban, no burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves, and all outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned. 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. A change in weather will be needed to restore cleaner air quality, yet thats not forecast to occur until early Sunday,” quoting the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA).