Is there an ordinance that prohibits burning of garbage in one’s fireplace? If yes, who would one call if there is a suspicion this is occurring?

Ralph Borrman of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District informed me of Regulation 6, Rule 3: Wood Burning Devices. This regulation states, in part: “Residents and business owners who own or use any indoor or outdoor fireplace, fire pit, wood or pellet stove or fire place would need to not burn any garbage, plastics or other inappropriate materials, when burning is allowed.”

“It’s never a good idea,” Borrman said. “Not for you, your family or your neighbors. Garbage will contain things that become toxic when burned like plastic or colored paper.”

So what to do if you suspect someone is doing this? You have a couple of options, such as calling 1-800-334-ODOR. The district takes your information and an inspector is sent out to investigate the property. Borrman said that garbage-burners must be caught red-handed in order to be cited. “It can’t be based on hearsay,” he said. Violators are given a warning or a fine.

Darren Drake, fire marshal for Napa City Fire Department, said that Napa has passed an ordinance to prohibit open burning — the burning of weeds, debris or trash outdoors. Drake adds that recreational fires, such as bonfires, are also prohibited. You can, however, use a chimneria (a free-standing, outdoor stove) or conduct a fire in an outdoor fire pit.

Drake said the fire code doesn’t specify anything about the burning of garbageinside, though, of course, he advised against doing so.

“We have some concerns at Christmas time, when people take wrapping paper and put large amounts of it into the fireplace. If the fireplace is not maintained or cleaned, it can cause a potential fire,” said Drake. He said when the fire department receives calls complaining about smoke, the department refers the concerned citizens to the regional air quality board. The smoke released is called noxious smoke and Drake says it’s more of a nuisance than an actual fire hazard.

Drake agreed with Borrman that suspects must be caught red-handed to be penalized. By the time an inspector comes,  though, the smoke may have already dissipated and therefore no longer noxious. If people continue making complaints, the inspector makes contact with the homeowner and ofers education on improper fires and their consequences (pollution, fire hazard, contamination).

Drake also noted that noxious smoke can have a significant impact on those with respiratory problems (like asthma, bronchitis, etc.).

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.sparetheair.org or call 1-800-HELP-AIR for the latest air quality forecast.

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Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Burning for an answer? Send your questions to dmon tanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224.