Unhealthy fine particles from wood smoke pose a risk to everyone. Children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, and other lung diseases are the most at risk.

Old, uncertified wood stoves and inserts are particularly polluting and inefficient. These wood stoves are no longer legal to sell, purchase, give away or re-install anywhere in Washington state due to the significant pollution they generate.

Residents who live within the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reductions Zone (only) are required to remove and recycle, or render inoperable, uncertified wood stoves or fireplace inserts, effective October 1, 2015. If you live outside the Tacoma-Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone, you are not subject to this rule.

An EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert will have a label (usually on the back or side) indicating it complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards.

See Clean Heating for more information.