There are an estimated 320,000 fireplaces and wood stoves in Sacramento County homes. Wood smoke created from the use of wood and pellets in these devices is a significant source of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, toxic air contaminants and odors, especially during the winter. These pollutants are linked to serious health impacts. The Sac Metro Air District is committed to reducing pollution coming from wood burning fireplaces and wood stoves. It has an incentive program that helps people change out their existing wood burning units to cleaner units, and an enforcement program to stimulate compliance with rules related to wintertime burning activities.
