Health

Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County Friday afternoon

Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County Friday afternoon

A Stage 1 burn ban is in effect throughout Pierce County starting at 4:00p.m. today.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Air experts say dry, stagnant air throughout the county will increase air pollution, especially in neighborhoods where wood burning is a common source of heat.

Here's what the burn ban means from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

Local health officials keeping close eye on whooping cough cases

High rates of whooping cough (pertussis) in some Western Washington counties has local health officials on alert as well.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department spokesperson Bridget Vandeventer says its too soon to confirm the number of cases locally for January, but that Pierce County has seen "significant activity."

To the north, Snohomish County has seen more than 40 cases of whooping cough since Jan. 1 - enough to prompt health officials to set up two Tdap vaccination clinics this weekend.

Whooping cough rates in Pierce and other counties have been on the rise. Health officials documented 132 confirmed cases in Pierce County in 2011, up from 87 in 2010.

Vandeventer said the high rate of whooping cough in Snohomish County this month has the TPCHD keeping a close eye on local cases.

"Pertussis is a serious illness, and the high rates from our neighboring counties keeps us on alert here as well," said Vandeventer.

The best prevention for yourself and your community is to get vaccinated, she said.

Spotted on Ruston Way: zombies?

Spotted on Ruston Way: zombies?

If this sign is any indication, it's time to start stockpiling water and nonperishable food items.

According to this sign spotted by frequent photo contributor Benjamin Toombs, there was a zombie outbreak on Ruston Way this weekend.

We don't know who did it, but we can appreciate the humor.

Happy Monday, Tacoma, and guard your brains!

Burn ban lifted throughout Pierce County

As of 5:00p.m. today, Saturday, the Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County has been lifted.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued the cancellation this evening.

More information can be found online.

Stage 1 burn ban back for Pierce County

Stage 1 burn ban back for Pierce County

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County, starting at 12:00 p.m. today. 

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Puget Sound Clean Air says: "High pressure has been building over the Puget Sound region, resulting in very cold and stagnant weather conditions. Air pollution is building up in Pierce County, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. With stagnant conditions expected to continue through tomorrow, pollution levels could reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category at some locations."

So what does that mean for you? Read the information below from the experts:

Power outages can pose health hazards

As if snow, ice, rain, road closures, and power outages aren't enough to deal with, now the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is advising folks of several health hazards to think about following the storm.

Health officials gave us this list of things to remember, especially if the power is out:

Burn ban lifted throughout Pierce County

As of 10:00a.m. today, the burn ban throughout Pierce County has been lifted.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency had been tracking a weather system expected to arrive last night. 

Forecasters say "Winds from that system are now dispersing the air pollution that built up across the Puget Sound over the past week."

Residents are always encouraged to check current air quality and burn ban status before burning.

You can sign up for e-mail alerts here or call the burn ban InfoLine at 1-800- 595-4341

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency reminds people who heat with wood, that it's "always illegal to emit excess chimney smoke or to smoke out your neighbor, burn ban or not. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. And burning garbage is always illegal."