Burn bans

[papavino]

A WFO doesn't do a lot of good on a burn ban day. Two days in a row so far. Could risk it, but don't like the prospect of a $1000 fine. I can't wait for a windy day to come and clear the air.

[cynon767]

I don't know how it is in your area, but locally hereabouts there are exceptions written into the burn-ban rules for ovens and cookstoves... basically, any fire which is used specifically for cooking is exempt. It might be worth looking into.

[kebwi]

Geez, where do you even hear about it (for Seattle)? I'd hate to fire up my oven and get in trouble just because I don't know any better.

[DrakeRemoray]

In Colorado cooking appliances are exempt from the overall ban that says you cannot install a wood burning fireplace in a new home, but they are NOT exempt from pollution based burn ban days (called red days here).

Drake

[papavino]

Yeah, my impression is that the Puget Sound is similar to Colorado in that WFO's are not exempt from air pollution burn ban days. I think we can use them on Stage 1 days, but days like today (Stage 2) are completely out. Don't quote me on Stage 1 use, though.
For those in the Puget Sound area, check out this site:
Air Actions Status | Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

[papavino]

And for the record, I don't know if pleading ignorance will exempt you from your first fine. I don't plan on finding out.

*EDIT:
You can also sign up for notification of burn bans and burn ban cancellations on the link provided above. I just did it. I think it is worth the time for anyone in Pierce, King, Kitsap or Snohomish counties.

[cynon767]

Around here, too, you can look on the local air quality control web site for burn status.

And although you really have to look deep through the regs to find the exemption for cookstoves, it's in there. The burn bans in my city/county apply to heat, but not cooking.

[DrakeRemoray]

Here is a link to the Colorado advisory page. Looks like they got rid of the "red" and "blue" days but still have burn bans. In Colorado, this only applies in the winter.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Technical Services Program (TSP)

Drake

[jrparks]

Papavino,
I've been thinking about testing the power of the Puget Sound Air Agency. I've been told by the fire department that fires for cooking are ok. I think the real challenge is to get your fire hot quick enough so that the smoke is minimal and avoid attraction.
I was out at a local restaurant and they were burning wood in there WFO.
Cheers,

[DrakeRemoray]

I think that restaurants are exempt from burn bans...at least in Colorado they are. The burn ban message says "residential burning restricted".

Drake