Many people don't think of the smoke from their wood stove or fireplace as air pollution.  Some people even like the smell of wood smoke.  But wood smoke is one of the main sources of air pollution in Washington. Wood smoke contains fine particles, PM 2.5, which are associated with serious health effects, as the tiny size of these pollutants allows them to be easily inhaled, bypassing the immune system and proceeding deep into your lungs, where they can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including premature death. In winter, more than half of Washington's fine particle air pollution comes from the homes being heated using wood.  Wood stoves, fireplaces and other wood-burning devices put out hundreds of times more air pollution than other sources of heat such as natural gas, propane, oil or electricity. The right amount of air gives you a hotter fire and more complete combustion. That translates to more heat from your wood and less smoke and pollution. Here are some cleaner burning tips:

Wood can seem dry and still contain plenty of water, up to 50 percent. The moisture in wood makes the fire give off more smoke. On the other hand, dry wood can provide up to 44 percent more heat. It is against state law to burn wood with more than 20 percent moisture content in fireplaces or wood stoves. Two things work very well at making sure your wood is dry enough: time and cover. dvd lens cleaner blu rayWhether you buy wood or harvest your own, follow these tips to get it fire-ready:uv light bulb air purifier State law does not regulate the dryness of any wood sold. car air purifier chinaIf the seller states that the wood is dry or seasoned, consider it a claim; make sure for yourself. You--and not the seller--are responsible for the dryness of the wood you put on your fire.

Woodstove, fireplace, and barbecue use is unrestricted at all times. The burn day decision does not apply to these devices. The only time when use is restricted is during a statewide air pollution episode, which occurs rarely. Washington State law prohibits the burning of paper, except that which is necessary to start the fire. Burning large amounts of paper is potentially very dangerous as often large burning embers exit the chimney and can cause fires outside the home. The burning of garbage is strictly prohibited by State law. Your woodstove, fireplace, or barbecue must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, the amount of smoke produces by these devices must be minimized. The smoke coming out of your chimney should be almost colorless and thin. Thick, white or black smoke indicates that your fire is not receiving enough air. Woodstoves, fireplaces, and barbecues should be used in such a way as to minimize the impact on neighbors. Here are some additional tips:

One myth, which is perhaps the most damaging to air quality and potentially damaging to health and safety, is that there are benefits to starving a wood stove for adequate combustion of air. A fire starved for air is excessively smoky because of incomplete combustion and therefore produces more unburned particulates and gaseous air pollutants than a hot fire with adequate air. Poor combustion also promotes the buildup of creosote in chimneys posing a fire hazard. Carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion can also buildup inside houses posing a direct threat of death by asphyxiation. This myth had its origin in the 1970’s energy crisis when the popularity of wood stoves increased. Many poorly designed stoves have been marketed that are not air-tight and otherwise have poor combustion air controls. Manufacturers may have recommended, or owners may have discovered, the technique of severely restricting air flow to compensate for poor design. In addition, marginal economics and high labor requirements of wood burning have made conservation of wood a priority, which makes reducing wood consumption yet another excuse for starving wood stove fires for air.

Burning of uncured wood with moisture contents over 20% compounds the problems of poor combustion from air-starved fires by promoting even greater production of air pollutants and creosote. Burning high moisture wood decreases the usable energy from the wood because heat from burning is diverted into evaporating the water rather than heating the air as desired. There are many components to wood smoke that can cause risk to your health. The primary cause of foul odors from woodstoves and fireplaces is the burning of green wood. Because green wood contains so much water, it does not burn efficiently and essentially just smolders. Smoldering fires are not hot enough to destroy the bulk of the odors. The solution to such a problem is to burn well-seasoned, dry wood in a hot fire, with lots of air. If you are bothered by a neighbor’s smoke, you should contact the BCAA office or file a complaint Since July 1, 1992, only EPA certified wood stoves and fireplace inserts may be legally sold or installed in Washington.

There should be a metal tag permanently affixed to the device that will indicate EPA certification. According to Washington State law and BCAA Regulation 1, it is illegal to advertise to sell, offer to sell, sell, bargain, exchange, or give away an uninstalled used uncertified fireplace or woodstove. If you have any questions, please contact the BCAA. A list of EPA certified woodstoves can be found at the Washington State Department of Ecology Air Program websitePuget Sound Clean Air AgencyPrioritiesWood Heating Wood Burning and the Law If you use a fireplace or wood stove in your home, Washington State regulations require you to manage your fire properly and responsibly. Improper burning results in excess smoke, which fouls the air and is harmful to your health. If you choose to heat with wood, follow these guideline to help maximize energy output and minimize pollution. Here’s what you need to know: Burn only manufactured logs or dry, seasoned wood. It is illegal to burn anything else.

This includes garbage, treated wood, paper (except for starting the fire), and plastics. For a complete list of prohibited materials, please refer to Washington Administrative Code 173-433-120. Watch your chimney smoke. Generating excessive smoke is not only un-neighborly, it's illegal. Under state regulations, smoke from your chimney cannot exceed 20 percent opacity (as shown in the left panel in the image to the right) for six consecutive minutes in any one-hour period. Greater smoke densities could result in fines from air pollution control officials. It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. Everyone has a right to breathe clean air. If smoke from your fire is affecting your neighbors, it is considered a nuisance and subject to enforcement action (Regulation 1, Section 9.11, PDF). TIP: To help minimize smoke, burn small, hot fires and give the fire plenty of air. Check your chimney occasionally: If you see smoke coming out, you are not burning hot enough and are wasting fuel.

Let your fire have more air, and check your chimney again.When the air agency declares a burn ban, it is unlawful to use your fireplace or uncertified wood stove, unless this is your only source of adequate heat. During Stage 2 Burn Bans it is also unlawful to use pellet stoves and certified wood stoves. Sign up for burn ban alerts here under Email Notifications. Don't buy, sell, exchange or give-away uncertified devices - it's illegal. Wood stoves, fireplaces, and other solid fuel burning devices sold in Washington must be certified to meet Washington state emission standards. Wood stoves that meet Washington standards Pellet stoves that meet Washington standards Fireplaces that meet Washington standards Click to learn more about the laws on wood burning devices: Regulation I, Section 13.03 (PDF), Washington Administrative Code: 173-433. ​What if burning wood is the only way I can heat my home? apply and be approved Apply Here​ How do you know if my heater is adequate or not?

Heating system & total heating output adequacy of the design on the system’s capability prior to the disconnection, damage, improper maintenance, malfunction,or occurrence that rendered the system nonfunctional. Ability to pay heating bills. Whether your system is working. What if I rely on my wood stove because my other heat source is too expensive? Typically air quality burn bans only last for a few days and during that time we ask that you come up with another way to stay warm temporarily. Our furnace is broken. Can we use our woodstove during the burn ban? If you think you might qualify, apply here. My application for a “no other adequate source of heat” was approved. My application for a “no other adequate source of heat” was denied. I can’t stay warm in my home without burning wood – where can I go for assistance? Depending on where you live and your individual circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of rebates and assistance.