SPOKANE -  –  A Stage 1 burn ban has been called for Okanogan County, beginning at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 6, and extended for Stevens County at least until noon, Monday, Jan. 9. Air quality conditions have worsened in these two Northeastern Washington counties, particularly for sensitive groups.

Washington Department of Ecology forecasters will reassess weather conditions Monday to determine if the bans should be called off or extended.

Cold, stagnant air keeping wood smoke and other pollution close to the ground, which can affect people's health. Monitoring data shows that air quality is currently unhealthy for