Less wood burning on Dec. 24 and 25 could help prevent unhealthy air pollution levels
Clark County air quality officials are urging residents to limit wood burning on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to reduce air pollution across the Vegas Valley. The request comes after several recent holiday exceedances of federal air quality standards tied to increased fireplace and fire pit use.
As families gather indoors on Dec. 24 and 25, the Clark County Department of Environment & Sustainability is asking people with wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor fire pits to take part in its annual “Put Out the Fire” campaign.
Wood burning linked to holiday pollution spikes
Clark County air quality data shows the region exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s health-based standard for fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, on Christmas Day in four of the past eight years. Those exceedances occurred in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Christmas Eve also recorded PM2.5 exceedances in 2017, 2020, and 2022. Air quality officials say increased wood burning during the holidays played a major role.
Ted Lendis, planning manager for the Division of Air Quality, said repeated exceedances could trigger federal consequences if they continue.
“Reducing air pollution helps protect public health,” Lendis said. “Weather and vehicle emissions matter, but our data shows wood burning contributes heavily to poor air quality during the holidays.”
Recent progress offers hope for cleaner holidays
Clark County air quality officials point to last year as a sign that change is possible. The region avoided a PM2.5 exceedance on Christmas Day in 2024, breaking a two-year streak.
The Division of Air Quality has not recorded another PM2.5 exceedance since Jan. 1, when fireworks caused a temporary spike.
Lendis said community participation made a measurable difference.
“People chose not to burn wood, and it worked,” he said. “We can build on that success and start a new streak of clean Christmas Days.”
Residents encouraged to take the “Put Out the Fire” pledge
Instead of burning wood, officials are asking residents to take the Put Out the Fire Pledge. Everyone who signs up will enter a drawing to win an electric fireplace, provided by the American Lung Association Nevada.
The pledge encourages residents to choose cleaner heating options during the holidays and reduce smoke that contributes to poor Clark County air quality.
Burn-wise habits can reduce pollution
For residents who still plan to burn wood, air quality officials recommend following burn-wise practices. These include using dry, seasoned wood and avoiding painted, treated, or wet materials.
Officials also warn against burning trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, plastics, or foam. Fire starters such as gasoline or lighter fluid should never be used.
Additional burn-wise tips are available on the Division of Air Quality website.
Understanding particulate matter and health risks
Particulate matter is one of the EPA’s regulated air pollutants. It includes tiny particles like smoke, soot, and dust that can enter the lungs when inhaled.
Clark County air quality monitors track two types. PM10 includes larger particles such as dust. PM2.5 consists of smaller particles commonly produced by smoke from wood burning and fireworks.
Health officials warn that PM2.5 poses greater risks because it can travel deep into the lungs.
Clean air as a shared responsibility
Deborah Thompson, director of the American Lung Association Nevada, said small individual actions can lead to meaningful improvements.
“We all breathe the same air,” Thompson said. “Driving less, burning one fewer log, or recycling instead of burning can make a difference. Clean air is a gift we can give each other this holiday season.”
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