Get ready to “Keep It Clean. Know the Code”

Wood burning season brings restrictions for some Washoe County residents beginning November 1.

Reno, NV – Before the “Keep It Clean. Know the Code” Burn Code Program begins on November 1, the Washoe County Health District Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) recommends area residents prepare for a clean wood burning season by:

1.    Knowing the Code – Go to www.OurCleanAir.com, AQMD’s Facebook and Twitter pages, signup for EnviroFlash air quality emails (www.OurCleanAir.enviroflash.info), or call (775) 785-4110 for the daily Burn Code updates.

2.    Upgrading to cleaner equipment – Exchange your old, uncertified wood stove and get up to $1,000 towards a new EPA-certified heating appliance using AQMD’s Wood Stove Exchange Program.  For more information, go to www.OurCleanAir.com.

3.    Keeping it Clean – Be sure to clean your wood stove and have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified professional.  Clean wood stoves and chimneys produce less smoke, keeping the air cleaner and healthier, and increase efficiency which saves money by using less wood.

4.    Burning Wisely – Use only dry, seasoned wood; build small, hot fires instead of large smoldering ones; give your fire a generous air supply; and, never burn coal and trash including newspapers and magazines.

The Know the Code Program applies only to specific areas in southern Washoe County, listed at www.bit.ly/1kSwgnE. The Burn Code applies to all solid fuels including wood, pellets, and fire logs.

For more information on the “Keep it Clean. Know the Code” Burn Code Program such as the ZIP codes affected by the Burn Code, the health risks associated with breathing fine particulate matter found in wood smoke, and how the Burn Code is enforced, visit the AQMD website at www.OurCleanAir.com.