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Burn Ban Exemption - No Other Source of Heat

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1. What does "adequate source of heat" mean?

An “adequate source of heat” is a heating system that is designed to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees F at a point three feet above the floor in each normally inhabited room. We base our assessments on the adequacy of the whole system’s heating capacity, including any parts of the heating system that may have been disconnected, damaged or simply aren’t working. If your heating system is disconnected, damaged or simply not working, please still include this information otherwise your application will be incomplete and the Agency will not be able to process your application.  

Most homes in our counties have another adequate source of heat (furnace, electric baseboards etc).) beyond wood stoves, because of building code requirements.

2. But how do you know if my wood stove or pellet stove is my only adequate source of heat?

In order to receive an exemption, you must apply for a "no other adequate source of heat" exemption from the Agency. To apply for an exemption, please download the application:or call (206) 716-1195, option 1 and request one to be sent to you. 

Please note, we will review and confirm the information that you have provided in your application with what is listed on your county assessor’s page.

3. What if I haven’t applied for a "no other adequate source of heat" exemption from the Agency and I’ve received a Notice of Violation (NOV)?

Please apply for an exemption immediately, you can download the application or call (206) 716-1195, option 1, and request one to be sent to you. Please note, applying for the NOASH will not automatically guarantee that your NOV will be dismissed, you will still need to provide the Agency with a written response and information on your wood burning device as instructed on the NOV.  

4. What if I rely on my wood stove because my primary electric/oil/propane heat is too expensive?

On the few days we have air quality burn bans in place, the use of your primary, clean heating device (furnace, electric baseboard) is expected in order to keep air quality healthy for you, your family, and your neighbors. The exception is if your wood stove is your only adequate source of heat and you have applied and received an exemption from the Agency.  

5. My furnace is broken and I can’t afford to fix it – do I qualify for the “no other adequate source of heat” exemption?

This exemption was designed to identify those homes that have no other way, besides wood burning, to sufficiently heat their homes. As a regulatory agency, we are required to follow the law, which is quite clear: the “no other adequate source of heat” decision is based on the heating system(s) currently in your home.

We cannot take into consideration:

• Your income level.
• Ability to pay your heating bills.
• Whether your heating system is working.

We do, however, take income level into account to help identify possible assistance programs to help you with your home heating. A resource list can be found at the end. 

6. What section do I fill out if I am renting?

If you are renting the home and/or it is owned by a friend or family member, please fill out Question #5 with your contact information and Question #6 with your landlord’s contact information.

7. What section do I fill out if I am the home owner?

If you own the home, please fill out Question #5 with your contact information.

8. What section do I fill out if I am not the primary user, resident, or property owner?

If you do not live at the home and you are filling this form out for a family member or friend, please fill out Question #7 with your contact information. 

9. What happens if I don’t know the size of the circuit breaker for the electric furnace?

Look for the main breaker handle (the biggest one) and see if the amps are listed on the handle or look for the amps on the toggle switch.

10. What happens if I don’t know the output rating of the gas or oil furnace?

Look for the boiler tag on your heater; this will contain the BTU ratings.

11. What happens if I don’t know the type of insulation or the windows and frames?

Answer this question to the best of your knowledge.

12. My application for a “no other adequate source of heat” was approved. What now?

You may continue to burn wood cleanly during air quality burn bans for the time period stated on your approval letter from the Clean Air Agency. Keep your eyes open for an application reminder that we will send to you before the next heating season. Also, regardless of your exemption status, we may contact you to see if you qualify for one of our incentive programs to improve your heating situation.

13. My application for a “No Other Adequate Source of Heat” was denied. What now?

While you may not be eligible for this specific exemption, you may have extenuating circumstances that make it difficult for you to comply with burn bans. If you burn wood during an air quality burn ban, you may receive a notice of violation. Should you receive a notice of violation from our inspection staff, you’ll have an opportunity to respond with a detailed explanation of your situation which will be taken into consideration when determining how to resolve your case.

14. I can't stay warm in my home without burning wood- where can I go for assistance?

Depending on where you live and your individual circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of rebates and assistance offered by our partner organizations:

• Offers, rebates and assistance on insulation and heating.

15. Why is it important to know if my wood burning device is certified or not?

If you have a certified device, you may use it during a stage 1 burn ban without needing an exemption. If you don’t have a certified device, it is illegal to burn during a stage 1 AND a stage 2 burn ban. 

16. How can I tell if my wood burning device is certified or not?

If it has solid metal door(s) on the front, then it is uncertified.

• If it has two glass doors, then it is likely uncertified.
• If it has one glass door, then more information is needed.
• If there is a brand/manufacturer name and model type on the device, look for it on the list of EPA-certified wood stoves. Otherwise, you will need to take a picture of it and take it to your nearest hearth dealer for help in identifying.
• Look for an EPA label on the back or side. If you have a fireplace insert, you may need to remove the decorative facing (surround) to be able to see the manufacturer's label. Consult your owner's manual
• "UL Tested" or "UL Approved" is not the same as EPA certified”.

Certified stoves will have an EPA label that will look like this:

Or an Oregon DEQ label that looks like this:

17. Can you buy, sell, exchange, or give-away uncertified devices?

No, you cannot buy, sell, exchange or give-away uncertified devices - it's illegal. 

Wood stoves, fireplaces, and other solid fuel burning devices sold in Washington must be certified to meet Washington state emission standards.