Burn Bans on Wood heating

When fine particles of smoke are on the rise, and stagnant weather conditions prevail, The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency can restrict the use of wood stoves and other solid fuel burning devices.  Click here for current conditions.
The burn restrictions are typically for the Smoke Control Zone (read below), although they can be extended throughout the county.  If an air pollution episode is declared by the state, the ban can extend throughout Eastern Washington.

The following, color-coded system is used to report wood burning conditions:

• Green: Air pollution levels are low and dispersion is good. There are no restrictions on the proper use of wood burning stoves, inserts and fireplaces. 
  
  
• Yellow:  Air pollution levels are rising or are already high due to poor dispersion. Use of wood burning devices is restricted to only only EPA-certified wood stoves and inserts, or pellet stoves. 
  
  
• Red:  Air pollution has risen to a level threatening to public health, dispersion is poor and is not expected to improve in the next 24 hours. Use of all wood burning devices is prohibited in the Smoke Control Zone, and depending on seriousness, throughout the region.

EXEMPTION:  If wood is your only heat source, or the non-wood heat source is inadequate, you may apply for a wood burning exemption to burn during curtailments. You must have a current exemption from The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency prior to burning. 

NOTE: Smokey chimneys are prohibited at all times, click here for information. 

The Smoke Control Zone -- Spokane County is divided into two areas, the Smoke Control Zone and the outlying areas of the County. The Smoke Control Zone represents the more concentrated residential and commercial areas of the County-- the areas where air pollution levels are highest, due to the density of homes and businesses and air flow patterns. 

The boundaries of the smoke control zone are:

• City of Spokane
• North to Owens Road
• Spokane Valley to Idaho border
• South to Gibbs Road
• West to Hayford Road

Click on the map for a large image.