Smoke and burning

Smoke is a significant source of air pollution.

Smoke comes from:

• Outdoor burning, like land clearing fires
• Indoor burning, like wood stoves and fireplaces

One of the main pollutants in smoke is fine particulate matter, also known as PM_2.5.

Breathing in the fine particulate matter in smoke causes many kinds of health effects, including heart and lung problems. Research has shown there's no lower threshold for the health effects of breathing in smoke.

Learn more about:

• Outdoor burning
• Industrial burning
• Forest fires and air quality
• Health impacts of fine particulate matter

All wood heating generates smoke, but smoke from wood heating can be reduced by using clean-burning practices and a cleaner-burning appliance.

The Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program provides financial incentives to replace smoky old wood stoves with cleaner heating options.

Examples of cleaner heating options include:

• Heat pumps
• Pellet stoves
• EPA-certified wood stoves

For more information, review:

• Wood burning appliances
• Community Wood Smoke Reduction Program

Burning is regulated by provincial and municipal laws and regulations.

To learn more about provincial and municipal bylaws, refer to smoke and burning regulations.

Burning wood debris outdoors is only permitted when the forecast Ventilation Index is sufficient to disperse smoke. View today's Ventilation Index.