Washoe County burn code

Home heating season is here in Washoe County. For lots of people, that means lighting up the fireplace or woodstove when the temperature dips down. When doing so, however, residents need to pay attention to the burn code, which lets us know if using wood-burning fireplaces and stoves is allowed, discouraged or prohibited. The goal is to maintain healthy air quality for all residents.

The burn code is administered by the Washoe County Health District (WCHD) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD). The “Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code” program applies to specific zip codes from Washoe Valley extending up to, and including, Silver Knolls. The code addresses all solid fuels including wood, pellets and fire logs. Burning coal, garbage and numerous other items is prohibited.

The code is in force each year from November 1 through the end of February. It can change on a daily basis. To learn the current code, follow AQMD on Twitter or Facebook, or watch local TV meteorologists and/or check the newspaper.

Advertisement