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  1. Home
  2. Burn Wise

Wood-Burning Resources for Consumers

EPA has developed a wide array of resources to help consumers make good choices about burning wood.  These choices impact your health since burning wood inevitably releases smoke, along with certain gases and fine particles, that you will breathe into your lungs.  These choices also impact how much you will spend to heat or add ambiance to your home.

Best Practices Videos
A cleaner more efficient fire starts before the first match is lit. These videos outline simple steps to properly dry firewood and how to use a moisture meter to test if firewood is ready to burn. 
  • Split, Stack, Cover, Store: Four Simple Steps to Drying Firewood
  • Wet Wood is a Waste
  • How to Build a Firewood Storage Shed

Below is more information to help you make wise choices about burning wood.

  • Wood Smoke and Your Health
  • Best Burn Practices
  • Backyard Recreational Fires 
  • EPA-Certified Wood Burning Appliances
  • Choosing Appliances
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Installation and Maintenance
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Burn Wise

  • What You Can Do
  • Wood Smoke Resources in Your State
  • Program Participation
  • Wood Smoke and Your Health
  • Consumers
  • Air Agencies
  • Businesses
  • Education and Outreach
Contact Us about the Burn Wise Program
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 19, 2025
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