Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced an extension of an emergency proclamation declaring a State of Emergency and banning all outdoor burning through midnight Monday, Oct. 15.

The ban now includes all counties in the state.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including but not limited to:

• Campfires

• Bonfires

• Residential yard debris clean-up, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement and agricultural burning activity

• Ignition of fireworks

Liquid fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted provided that use is conducted over a non-flammable surface and is at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Charcoal grills are permitted at private residences under the same conditions.

The state’s Department of Ecology is monitoring air quality across Washington state where smoke-filled air remains.

To check for air quality monitoring information, visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html

Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Health is providing answers to frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke here: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/OutdoorAir/SmokeFromFires.aspx