Wood Burning

Standards

All new wood-burning stoves and fireplaces installed in Jefferson County must meet stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards. During high pollution days (action days), no wood-burning is allowed below 7,000 feet elevation, except by using EPA Phase III stoves, approved pellet stoves or approved masonry heaters.

Action Days

Action days [external link] for air pollutants generally indicate that air quality will be in either the Unhealthy or Unhealthy-for-Sensitive-Groups categories according to the Air Quality Index. During an action day, open burning and wood-burning may be prohibited until air quality conditions improve.  

Complaints

Complaints about wood-burning during high pollution days should be directed to your city officials (usually the zoning department). If you live in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, call the Planning and Zoning Department at 303-271-8700.