Free Wood Stove Workshop

CITY OF NANAIMO

“BURN IT SMART!” PROGRAM

Many residents in Nanaimo use wood to heat their homes or to simply enjoy a wood fire, but burning wood can also release pollutants into the air we breathe when poor burning techniques are used. Wood smoke contains harmful pollutants that can trigger coughs, headaches, and eye and throat irritation.

Beginning this fall, watch for “Burn it Smart” announcements and events that will address the health and environmental effects of inefficient burning. Everyone who uses a wood burning appliance is asked to consider their wood-burning habits in order to reduce pollution from wood heating. Look for upcoming stories and tips on wood burning in local papers and on the City’s Website.

The City of Nanaimo also invites you to a FREE Wood Stove workshop at the Beban Park Recreation Complex, Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at Pioneer Woodstove and Fireplace (419 Terminal Avenue) beginning at 2 p.m.

Wood-smoke emissions can be reduced, indoors and out, by learning to burn more efficiently and improving your wood-burning practices. Replacing your existing burner with a new technology appliance that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) emissions standards can help to further reduce the emissions of pollutants by up to 90 percent. These advanced appliances burn the smoke inside the stove, resulting in less air pollution with the added benefits of more heat to your home and a safer system.

Even if you have burned wood all your life you can still learn something new to increase burning efficiency and save money at the “Burn it Smart!” workshop. Bring a piece of wood from your woodpile and we will test it for moisture content.

Workshop topics will include: Installation Safety, Burning without Smoke, Maintaining a System, Locating a Chimney, Wood Heating Options, Health and Environment. Nanaimo “Burn it Smart” is a partnership of the City of Nanaimo, the BC Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Canada and the BC Lung Association.