Wood Burning Appliances
In 2004, AMS estimated that there are 4,200 old
technology stoves operating in the BVLD. Smoke
from woodburning fireplaces and wood stoves can
be a problem in neighborhoods throughout the
Bulkley Valley – Lakes District region. Wood smoke
can impact you and your neighbours, especially
children and others with respiratory problems.
Simple changes to woodburning fireplaces and
wood stoves can reduce the amount of smoke
produced by approximately two-thirds. They can
also reduce the amount of fuel burned and result in
significant savings. These changes make a
difference in fire safety as well!
| • Use seasoned firewood. • Use small amounts of kindling to start the fire, give it plenty of air, and burn small hot fires. • Never "damper down" a stove so that it smolders. • Never burn garbage, especially plastics. • Have chimneys inspected annually and cleaned as necessary by a certified professional. • Clean and repair your wood stove annually. • Upgrade to a natural gas, propane, pellet, or EPA-certified woodburning stove. |
Since 1994, only wood stoves or fireplace inserts that are emissions-certified can be sold in British Columbia.
Your stove is certified if it has a plate with a CSA B-415 or a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency label. Look for the CSA or EPA plate on the back of the stove or visit a hearth specialty retailer for more information.
During the 2004 Wood Stove Exchange Program,
retailers provided discounts on the cost of a new
stove. This resulted in 35 stoves being upgraded. A
research project is currently underway to confirm
the total number of old technology stoves and their
location to improve the success rate of future wood
stove exchange programs. Learn more about the benefits of upgrading your stove in our Woodstove Exchange Program brochure.
Go outside and check your chimney frequently. If you see smoke coming out, you’re wasting wood
by not burning hot enough. Give the fire more air
and check the chimney again.
