Burn Suspension and Wood Stove Usage for Home Heating 

November 1, 2024 – Mariposa, CA – With a burn suspension currently in effect, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) would like to clarify guidelines regarding the use of wood stoves and other indoor heating sources. While the burn suspension restricts outdoor burning activities, such as debris burning and campfires, it does not extend to wood stoves or fireplaces used for heating inside the home.

Residents may continue to heat their homes with indoor wood stoves, fireplaces, electric heaters, and other safe heating sources. Having your home heating equipment and chimney cleaned and inspected annually is recommended and can save lives. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of flammable waste, prevents carbon monoxide from spilling indoors, and makes equipment more efficient.

Cover your chimney and stove pipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.

We ask that residents follow standard safety guidelines when using wood stoves to ensure proper ventilation and minimize indoor air pollution. Please check with your local air quality management district for any additional guidelines or restrictions on wood stove emissions.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our communities safe. For more information, please visit fire.ca.gov.