TACOMA, Wash. — Starting next week, about 20,000 older wood-burning stoves in a large part of Pierce County will be illegal.
A new rule that bans uncertified stoves goes into effect October 1.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says stoves that are more than 25 years old cause more pollution.
The News Tribune reports the agency has helped thousands of low-income homeowners to pay for new stoves.
Uncertified stove users will face a $1,500 fine starting next Thursday.
According to the News Tribune, figuring out whether a stove is certified takes some work.
A stove with one glass door could be either certified or not. To find out for sure, owners can email woodstove@pscleanair.org, or take a photo to a hearth dealer, according to the Clean Air Agency.
And UL-tested or approved is not the same as certified."
For a map of the smoke reduction zone and the stove rules, see the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency website.
KIRO
