Laws on Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Purpose

• The purpose of wood-burning fireplace laws is to reduce the amount of emissions and air pollution that such fireplaces spread into the air. Numerous municipalities, including those in Maricopa County, Arizona, have passed ordinances regulating what types of wood-burning fireplaces can be installed and used. In Maricopa County, the appliance must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as conforming to federal regulations or have been tested to meet the performance standards required by the regulations.

Limitations

• Some states place limitations on what types of wood can be burned in wood-burning fireplaces. In Washington, for example, only wood that has a moisture content of 20 percent or less may be burned. It is also illegal to burn painted or treated wood. Wood-burning fireplaces sold in Washington must meet the EPA's standards as well as the state's, which are more strict.

Bans

• Some areas do not allow residents to use wood-burning fireplaces on specific days. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, for example, places limitations on when wood-burning fireplaces can be used. Their use is prohibited on days when air pollution levels are high. However, residents who have no other source of heat other than wood-burning fireplaces may use them on prohibited days.