![]() When lighting a cold fire use plenty of dry kindling to establish a good fire quickly.Never burn rubbish, driftwood or painted or treated wood – they can produce poisonous gases.Don’t let the fire smoulder overnight – keep enough air to maintain a flame.Store firewood in a covered stack with plenty of air access.Burn only dry aged hardwood – unseasoned wood contains moisture and smokes.Here are some steps to help reduce the pollution levels of woodsmoke: Woodsmoke also contains noxious gases like carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of organic compounds (some toxic). It can be just as nice to spend time with your family and friends, without having to feed a fire or move around to avoid the smoke.Smoking woodheaters can produce two or three times as much fine particulate pollution as cars. Not every backyard evening get together needs a fire. ![]() They are easier and cleaner than using wood. Consider a natural gas or propane fire pit instead. There are many backyard fire features that use fuels other than wood. To know when air pollution has reached unhealthy levels in your area, sign up for air alerts via email, download a mobile app, or see daily updates on Twitter. Some local governments even prohibit backyard fires on days the “air quality index” is above 100, the level at which air pollution can start to impact sensitive groups. Wood smoke can make bad air days worse and you should not burn when air pollution health advisories have been issued in your area. Extinguish the fire completely when you are done. A poorly constructed fire or a fire left to smolder can produce large amounts of unhealthy smoke and makes a backyard fire much less enjoyable. Hot-burning fires create a more complete combustion that decreases the amount of pollution generated. Check with your county about drop-off or pick-up options for yard waste. Not only is this practice illegal, it is also hazardous and dangerous to you, your family and to your neighbors. Never burn household garbage, painted or stained wood, plastics, or chemically treated paper in your backyard fire. For more on using a moisture meter, check out this EPA video. Use only wood that has a moisture content of 20% or less. Properly dried wood is often darker, has cracks in the end grain, and makes a “hollow sound” when smacked against another piece of wood.įirewood moisture meters are available at hardware and fireplace specialty stores. This can be as simple as keeping a tarp over the top of the wood stack without covering the sides. Wood should be stored under a cover with the ability for air to circulate around it. Wood should be split, stacked and covered for six months or more before burning. ![]() Wood smoke health effects information – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency It is important to note that closing windows will not prevent wood smoke from entering homes and affecting neighbors with respiratory conditions. Even if they don’t have health conditions, let your neighbors know you are going to have a fire so they can close windows. Listen to neighbors who may suffer from your campfires. Talk with your neighbors before a fireīe considerate of your neighbors, understanding that your fires may cause health issues for them. Burning smarter will help you have a more enjoyable experience, make cleanup easier and help reduce smoke and pollutants for both you and your neighbors. ![]() If you do choose to have a fire, consider the information below to help reduce smoke and its health impacts. While many people enjoy the look and smell of a backyard fire, it is important to remember that burning wood creates air pollution that is harmful, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
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