Residential Burning
Although residential wood burning is allowed in San Diego County we encourage everyone to find ways to reduce wood burning not only to protect the air quality in their home but also to help reduce outdoor air pollution.
Is residential wood burning allowed?
For recreational and cooking fires burning is allowed. However, we do ask that residents follow best practices to help protect our shared air and be mindful of those around you, including your neighbors. Residential burning is limited to wood and charcoal.
Wood burning best practices:
- Burn only clean dry wood
- Use only clean fuel, such as natural gas, propane, or cooking fuel
- Maintain fires in a way that does not create a nuisance for others
What is a Wood-Burning Device?
A wood-burning device is any appliance or fixture used to burn wood for heat, cooking, or ambiance. Common types include:
Fireplaces – traditional wood-burning fireplaces
Fireplace Inserts – wood-burning units installed into existing fireplaces
Wood Stoves – both uncertified and EPA-certified models
These devices release smoke containing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants, with emissions ranging from “very dirty” (open fireplaces, uncertified woodstoves) to cleaner-burning EPA-certified woodstoves – and cleanest of all, non-wood alternatives like gas furnaces/stoves and electric heat.
Ways To Reduce Wood Burning
Use electric or natural gas heating sources for your home
Electric heating creates zero emissions and is typically the cleanest form of heat. There are a few options, like baseboard heaters or a central furnace powered by a resistive heater or heat pump. A central furnace can also receive heat though combusting natural gas which is cleaner and more efficient than burning wood.
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Upgrade to a cleaner burning EPA certified wood stove
If your woodstove isn’t certified by the U.S. EPA, it’s a good idea to replace it with a certified model. New EPA‑certified stoves burn wood more efficiently and create less smoke which helps reduce air pollution. They also use technology to transfer heat effectively, giving your home more warmth while wasting less heat.
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Switch to an EPA certified pellet stove
EPA certified pellet stoves are efficient, typically with heating capacities between 8,000 and 90,000 Btu per hour, allowing them to emit about 8 times less particulate matter than older, uncertified units. Pellet stoves look similar to wood stoves, but they are typically cleaner and more efficient since they used compressed, dried wood or biomass. The pellets are very dense, which means they burn very hot and clean, which reduces smoke and air pollution.
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Install a natural gas or certified wood burning fireplace insert
Much like certified wood stoves, a certified wood burning insert for your fireplace will burn wood more efficiently and create much less smoke while generating more heat for your home by wasting less heat. Similarly, you can install a pellet fireplace insert. A pellet insert produces convective heat and burns pellets very efficiently.
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Use the green waste bin to dispose of excess wood
Disposing of your wood waste in the green waste bin instead of burning the waste will prevent wood smoke emissions. Especially in the western portion of the San Diego Air Basin, which includes coastal and inland areas, burning of this material for disposal may even be prohibited by District Rule 101. Please visit our Burn Permit page for more information on permits.
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Reduce or stop burning wood recreationally
Recreational, ceremonial, and cooking fires are allowed provided that clean dry fuel (limited to wood or charcoal), natural gas, propane, or cooking fuel is used and does not create a nuisance. Keep in mind that the smoke from these activities can impact the health of you and your neighbors. Reducing the frequency of these fires or eliminating these fires would prevent exposure to the harmful effects of wood smoke.
Reducing the Impacts of Wood Burning
If you choose to burn wood, follow the best practices below to reduce the harmful pollutants released into the air.
Use Seasoned, Dry Wood
Firewood needs to be dry, or “seasoned”, before it is burned. Buy firewood that has been labeled as seasoned or give your own wood sufficient time to dry. Unseasoned wood will create excess smoke, less heat, and more difficult start and maintain.
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Building a Clean Fire
Start with small pieces of kindling made from soft wood, then add larger logs of hard wood gradually. Soft wood will burn more easily, while hard wood will burn slower, provide more heat, and produce less smoke. Keep air vents open during the first 30 minutes to help the fire burn hot and avoid overloading the firebox to ensure sufficient oxygen.
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Refueling Without Smoke
Add smaller amounts of wood more frequently to minimize smoke and always refuel while coals are still hot. A larger load all at once can lower combustion temperatures, leading to more smoke. Be sure to provide sufficient space between logs to provide more oxygen for the fire.
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Device Maintenance
Over time, wood burning devices have creosote buildup, chimneys can become blocked, or parts like gaskets, grates, or bolts can degrade and reduce the efficacy of your wood burning device. Periodic inspection of your wood stove or fireplace is essential to ensure its continued safe and clean-burning operation.
Outdoor Recreational Fires
Just as with other wood burning devices, outdoor recreational wood burning (e.g., bonfires or fire pit use) produces smoke containing fine particulate matter (PM) and other air pollutants. “Smokeless”, or low-smoke, fire pits can help you reduce the impact on your health and the environment. Additionally, you should follow the tips detailed in the next section to help you reduce the impact of wood burning.
Check Your Local Laws
Some local governments and fire departments have adopted ordinances that may restrict backyard recreational fires. For more information, check with the local city, county, or designated governing body.
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Buy It Where You Burn It
Buying and burning firewood local to your campsite, or within the same county, can help reduce the spread of pests & pathogens. Pests like the Golden Spotted Oak Borer can be spread from firewood and effect our trees. You can find nearby options using the California Firewood Task Force.
For burning other than recreational or cooking, a burn permit may be required. For more information visit our Burn Permits Webpage.