While wood burning provides an alternative source of energy, it can create nuisance odors and smoke. In burning this solid fuel, while one cannot avoid the production of woodsmoke particles, there are several steps to reduce their impact.
Because of complaints relating to health issues the DEEP is working with the Department of Public Health and regional health officials, as well as municipalities, to provide outreach materials that educate the public about ways to reduce impacts of open burning and wood burning on themselves and on neighbors.
Open burning is the burning of any matter, where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the ambient air without passing through an adequate stack or flue. For more on open burning see the open burning web page.
The key to reducing the nuisance inherent in wood burning is by burning only dry, well seasoned untreated (or natural) wood, and in an appropriate location. In addition to fireplaces and campfires associated with casual entertainment, there are two wood burning sources that are primarily used to produce heat, woodstoves and outdoor wood burning furnaces.
EPA - Burnwise Webpage
Content Last Updated on November 2, 2011