In our region, the largest source of particulate matter pollution is wood smoke. Wood smoke contains many organic compounds known to cause cancer as well as other toxic compounds. Many area residents, though, still chose to burn wood to supply some portion of their heat. Even the cleanest wood burning devices on the market produce much higher pollution levels than any other form of heat. To minimize pollution from wood stoves and avoid impacting the health of neighbors, residents should consider switching to cleaner forms of heating, if possible.
Pollution builds up overnight at ground level during stagnant, calm, cold periods.
During such times, use alternative sources of heat if available. During a first stage burn ban, only certified stoves or pellet stoves are allowed to be used. Residents with no other source of adequate heat can apply for an exemption allowing them to burn in their non-certified stoves and fireplaces during a ban. Keep the amount of smoke you generate to a minimum by burning clean, dry, seasoned wood and only enough paper to start the fire. Never burn garbage, plastics, rubber products, painted or treated wood, or other prohibited fuels either indoors or outdoors.