Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program

Use this simple guide to burning wood, planning alternate transportation and getting outdoor exercise during the winter pollution season.

Green - go ahead When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is between zero and 79, it`s green and that means it`s okay to light a fire in your wood stove. But keep in mind that you should always allow enough oxygen for your fire so that it burns "smarter." Never overload the firebox or permit the fire to smolder, as this can emit literally tons of particulates and carbon monoxide into the air that we breathe.

Yellow - Slow down Slow down on the amount of wood you burn, or stop burning altogether. when the AQI is between 80 and 100, the color code switches to yellow. This is still a voluntary stage, but if you stop burning wood now, it may be possible to avoid worse pollution tomorrow. Have an alternate transportation plan in place before winter sets in, and be prepared to share rides when pollution is on the rise. Take the bus for fun today and find out how you can use Citifare between work and home, so that you`ll be prepared for yellow days. Cut back on car trips. Although pollution levels aren`t in the unhealthful range, it`s advisable to limit outdoor exercise, especially if you have respiratory problems. Devise moderate recess activities for those children who might have respiratory difficulties.

Red - Screechin' halt When AQI exceeds 100, it`s red and that means stop all residential and commercial burning immediately. If weather forecasts show little chance of the temperature inversion lifting, the District Health Officer will call a Stage 1 Alert and ban all burning for 24 hours, or until weather patterns change and the pollution levels decrease. Warnings and/or fines will be levied against anyone ignoring a Stage 1 burn ban. Should you not learn of a ban until after you`ve started your fire, you`ll be permitted a three-hour burn-down time. To speed the burning, open the damper and do not add any more wood. It`s essential that you cut back on car trips during red days. If you can put off a trip to the store for one day, please do so. If we all cut back on driving just a little we can help to clear the air. During alerts, you should avoid all outdoor activities, especially if you have serious respiratory or heart problems. The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) will alert the Washoe County School District on red days and advise that children be kept from strenuous outdoor activities.

Sole Source of Heat Declaration (28.5 KB)

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Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program +

What is the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program?

In 1987, the Washoe County Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) developed this program to reduce the emissions from woodstoves and fireplaces during wintertime high pollution episodes. One of three burn code colors is issued each day based on the current and forecasted air quality. Each color lets you know if you can light your stove or fireplace. The Burn code address all solid fuels including wood, pellets, fire logs, coal, etc.

Green - When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the Good or low to mid Moderate range, the burn code is Green and that means it’s okay to light a fire in your stove or fireplace. But keep in mind that you should always burn seasoned wood.

Yellow - Slow down on the amount of wood you burn or stop burning altogether. When the AQI reaches the upper end of the Moderate range, the burn code switches to Yellow. This is still a voluntary stage, but if you stop burning wood now, it may be possible to avoid worse pollution tomorrow.

Red - When the AQI exceeds 100, it’s Red and that means stop all residential and commercial burning immediately. If weather forecasts show little chance of the temperature inversion lifting, the District Health Officer will call a Stage 1 Episode prohibiting burning for 24 hours, or until weather patterns change and the pollution levels decrease.

The program is in effect from November through February and applies to Southern Washoe County from Cold Springs to Washoe Valley.

What areas are affected by the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program?

The Burn Code applies to businesses and residences located in the following ZIP codes:

89431, 89433, 89434, 89436, 89439, 89441, 89501, 89502, 89503, 89506, 89509, 89511, 89512, 89519, 89521, 89523, 89595, 89704

Why is the burn code restriction necessary?

In the Truckee Meadows, wood burning accounts for nearly 50 percent of wintertime fine particulate matter. The purpose of the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program is to reduce the harmful emissions that come from wood burning. The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) provides a daily burn code which tells residents when burning is restricted or prohibited during the months of November through February. We all breathe unhealthy air when weather conditions trap pollution close to the ground during the fall and winter months. It’s the AQMD’s responsibility to protect public health and achieve clean air goals.

What are the health effects of breathing fine particulate matter like wood smoke?

Fine particulate matter is a complex mixture that may contain soot, smoke, metals, nitrates, sulfates and dust. Studies have linked long-term exposure to particle pollution, especially fine particles, with serious health problems including decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic respiratory disease in children (asthma), irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, premature death in people with heart or lung disease and increased susceptibility to heart and vascular disease for post-menopausal women. In addition, new health studies have shown that breathing wood smoke reduces the blood's ability to clot, and specifically for children it lowers IQ and decreases memory. Children are more likely to suffer effects because their respiratory systems are developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight.

How will these burn code restrictions affect me?

On days when the air quality is forecast to be unhealthy, residents and businesses in Washoe County are prohibited from using stoves and fireplaces that burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs, or any other type of solid fuel. In the winter of 2009-2010, the Air Quality Management Division issued ten Red burn codes.

Are there exemptions for the burn code?

The following exemptions apply to the Red burn code:

Homes in ZIP codes OUTSIDE the burn restriction area;
Homes where wood burning is the only available source of heat (Note: You must submit a sole source of heat declaration to the AQMD each winter season. Contact the AQMD at (775) 784-7200 for a declaration form or visit the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program page.);
Fireplaces and stoves that operate exclusively with natural gas or propane;
Non-permitted cooking devices; and
Ceremonial fires related to specific religious activities.

How is the Red burn code enforced?

Enforcement will be through sightings of visible smoke by Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) enforcement staff. The locations to be observed are determined by complaints or AQMD surveillance routes. Violations of the burn ban can result in warnings and/or fines from the AQMD.

How will I know if I can or can't burn?

It is your responsibility to know the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program. The Air Quality Management Divison (AQMD) provides five ways for you to find out the day’s burn status:

Call the air quality hotline at (775) 785-4110 for daily recorded burn status information;
Sign-up for a daily air quality update email by contacting the AQMD at (775) 784-7200;
Listen to television and radio weather forecasts;
Check the Reno-Gazette Journal's weather page; or
Visit the AQMD website at www.washoecounty.us/health

How do I report a complaint or suspected violation of the burn code?

Contact the Air Quality Management Division at (775) 784-7200.

Where can I get more information about the Green, Yellow, Red Burn Code Program, request a sole source of heat declaration, or other Air Quality Management Division related information?

Visit the Air Quality Management Division website at www.washoecounty.us/health, or contact the Air Quality Management Division at (775) 784-7200.