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Wood-Burning Alternatives Recommended By County Air Quality Department

For the holiday season, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is asking residents to consider alternatives to burning wood.

The agency recommends using gas or electric fire pits or fireplaces over alternatives as part of its “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better” campaign.

Residents have the opportunity to obtain a free pollution reduction device or a voucher for natural gas installation to reduce smoke pollution, courtesy of the Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program.


Residents must live within the boundaries of Northern Avenue, 16th Street, Baseline Road and 59th Avenue in order to qualify for the program.

Also in an effort to improve air quality, the county’s Propane Fire Pit Program offers residents a $75 voucher to purchase an outdoor propane fire pit. 

“Our Air Quality Department has developed successful partnerships with other agencies, private businesses, community organizations and residents to come up with programs that work,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Chucri said in a press release Monday. “I want Maricopa County to be just as livable for my children as it has been for me. That means we all have to work together to keep developing solutions for better air quality.” 

According to the department, the burning of wood can cause smoke that possesses a health issue for children with asthma, the elderly and others with respiratory problems. Another issue caused by wood burning is soot particles that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and increase chances of a heart attack.

The county also has the potential to no longer comply with federal regulations if there is a continuation in the abundance of wood-burning activities.

“The spirit of the season compels us to remember our neighbors and the impact that our actions have on others,” Philip McNeely, Maricopa County Air Quality director, said. “Please, burn cleaner, burn better and abide by the no-burn day restrictions.”