Scrap uncertified wood stoves - For starters, if you use a wood stove, find out whether it’s EPA-certified. If you have an uncertified wood stove, you cannot use if during a Stage I Burn Ban. Non-certified devices cause 70% more pollution than certified devices. We strongly recommend that you replace it with a cleaner-heating, more efficient device.

Jan, 12, 2012 - A new program has launched to changeout old wood stoves.  

More reasons to make the switch:

• During a Stage 1 (code yellow)  burn ban, it is unlawful to use non-EPA certified wood stoves and inserts. Uncertified stoves release twice as much air pollution as certified stoves. Click here for a list of EPA certified devices. 
  

• To protect health, Washington has strict laws about wood stoves and other wood burning devices. Most states use federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards for fine particles to determine which wood burning devices can be sold.

• To be sold in Washington, all wood burning devices must meet both EPA’s standards and Washington’s stricter standards (see table below). For lists of stoves, fireplaces and inserts that meet Washington Emissions Standards, click here to link to Ecology's webpage (lists on right hand side of their webpage.)  

Any new wood burning device sold, offered for sale, or given away to Washington residents must meet Washington’s standards. Even devices that are exempt from EPA certification must meet Washington standards. Wood burning devices include wood stoves, pellet stoves, wood furnaces and manufactured fireplaces. 

• Per local regulation, only wood/pellet stoves, fireplaces and fireplace inserts that meet Washington emissions limits can legally be installed in Spokane County.
   
• Installing a heating appliance without proper permitting can also void insurance policy coverage.

If you heat with wood, you need to know and follow the requirements:

• Always check burn conditions before starting your wood burning device. During winter, strong temperature inversions can trap pollutants, especially fine particles from wood smoke. For information about burn bans click here.  
  
  
• Chimney smoke must be within legal limits. After a 20-minute start up period, go outside and check the chimney smoke. You should see heat waves and barely any visible smoke. If you see smoke, give your fire more air and make sure your wood is very dry. Visible smoke emitted from chimneys must be within state opacity limits.  Learn More... 
  
  
• Only dry, seasoned wood, or manufactured logs and pellets may be burned. Any other material is illegal to burn. Wood should be cut, split, stacked and covered 6-12 months to properly dry (season).  Click here for a great website with information on preparing your firewood, including a wood shed design.

Burn responsibly

• Know the laws that govern burning with wood.
• Observe burn bans. During Stage 1 Burn Bans, it is unlawful to use fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves. Stage 2 Burn Bans prohibit the use of certified wood stoves and pellet stoves as well.
• Never burn garbage – it’s against the law.
• If you’re not sure how to properly and safely operate your wood stove or fireplace, consult a hearth-products dealer.
• Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned as recommended by a certifed chimney sweep.  Do those "chimney cleaning logs work"?

Health impacts from wood smoke  -  Wood stoves, fireplaces and inserts emit tiny, microscopic particles into the air.  When inhaled, these fine particles travel deep in the lungs, causing damage to sensitive lung tissue. Several studies have been conducted over the years linking fine particle exposure to health effects. Here's a summary of some of these studies:

http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/woodsmoke_health_effects_jan07.pdf

American Heart Association Scientific Statement:
“ The overall evidence is consistent with a causal relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.” (Brook RD, et al. Circulation 2010; 121: 2331-78)

PM Health Effects from Wood Smoke - Webinar presented on July, 28, 2011 - Dr. C Arden Pope III, Brigham Young University

• PM Health Effects from Wood Smoke (PDF) (73pp, 5.5mb)
• PM Health Effects from Wood Smoke (Powerpoint) (73pp, 20mb)
• Webinar audio recording with slides (MP4) (56mb)

Burn as cleanly as possible - Additional educational materials:

Brochure - Updated May 2011
Heating with Wood Russian translation - (Требования и руководство для отоплении дровами)

Videos - Note: These videos are in Window's Media Video format (.wmv) and Window's Media Player is recommended for playback.  A high- speed Internet connection is also recommended for viewing.