Every year, starting in November, APCD receives complaints from people who are concerned about breathing smoke from their neighbors’ fires. APCD Supervisor Mike Broughton notes: “Many times, the people we contact are not even aware that they have been causing anyone discomfort. They're usually willing to adjust their burn times or contact the neighbor before burning so they can close some windows—IF they know their smoke is affecting someone. It's a classic case of ‘out of sight, out of mind.’"

He adds: "The next time you stoke up that ol' fireplace, check out our tips to minimize your smoke. Then, take a walk outside. Look and see where your smoke is going. If your smoke is headed towards a neighbor's house, knock on their door. Ask if your smoke is bothering them and let them know they can call you if it does in the future. Usually two neighbors can work out a solution that works for both—but only if they are aware and talk. Be a good neighbor."

Breathing wood smoke reduces lung function, aggravates heart and lung diseases, and can trigger asthma. Take some of the steps below for the sake of your health and safety—and that of your neighbors.

1. Clean your chimney. How long has it been since your chimney was cleaned? A dirty chimney full of creosote is a chimney fire waiting to happen. Schedule regular maintenance by a professional chimney sweep.
2. Don’t burn trash. Burning trash can cause toxic chemicals to go into the air, and into your lungs. Don’t burn any of these: plastics, chemicals, wrapping paper, magazines, or any coated papers (including newspaper inserts, junk mail, etc.).
3. Be a good neighbor and notice your smoke. Burn dry, seasoned wood, and build small hot fires rather than large smoldering ones.Burn safely in your fireplace. Keep your fireplace screen closed to keep sparks from landing on the carpeting, and have a spark arrester on top of your chimney to keep sparks from landing on the roof and causing a roof or attic fire.
4. Save your fireplace or woodstove for special occasions. Fireplace fires are not a very efficient way to produce heat. The safest way to heat your home, and the cleanest for the air, is through a central heating system.
5. Use a gas log if you can, and NEVER burn wood in a fireplace that was designed for a gas log. Decorative fireplaces are not built to handle wood fires. Burning wood in one of these fireplaces is asking for trouble, and could create a dangerous situation.