Outdoor Air Quality - Smoke

Open Burning


With the large amount of forest in Summit County and the impacts of the Pine Beetle, responsible property owners are having to make decisions about how to get rid of slash waste. One possible method is to burn the slash in place. This can create an air quality problem as well as a fire control concern. For these reasons Environmental Health and the local fire authority must issue permits for any open burning. Application forms can be obtained from any of the three fire districts (Lake Dillon, Red White & Blue, and Copper Mountain). The state of Colorado also has this Open Burning fact sheet available for more information.

Wood Burning Fireplaces & Stoves 


Burning of wood has the potential of creating particulate matter that can be a nuisance for neighbors and may even cause respiratory symptoms for some. For these reasons all new stoves installed must be EPA Phase II approved devices. Environmental Health encourages all homeowners with older stoves to upgrade to EPA Phase II stoves as well as we all work together for better air quality. Even the best stoves will produce smoke if good burning tips are not practiced.