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
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