Key takeaways
- The Washoe County burn code covers November 1 through the end of February (recorded from the county program).
- Northern Nevada Public Health regulates wood-burning devices and can be reached at 775-784-7200.
- Gas stoves and low-emitting pellet stoves are allowed anywhere in Washoe County; wood fireplaces and certified heaters only on larger lots.
- Outside cities, burning brush or debris generally needs a written permit under NRS 472.520.
This guide covers Washoe County only, which includes Reno and Sparks. Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties have their own rules, and the Tahoe Basin has its own agencies. We keep the detail short because the agency's current rules control.
What is a burn code?
A burn code is a daily status for wood-burning in a region with winter air-quality problems. Washoe County's program uses green, yellow and red days during the season that runs from November 1 to the end of February. We do not restate what each color restricts, because the rules and the current day's status are set by Northern Nevada Public Health and may change. Look up the status each day you plan to burn, and call the office if you are unsure.
Wood-burning devices
Northern Nevada Public Health's wood-burning page says that fireplaces and certified wood heaters are allowed only on larger lots, and that gas-fired stoves and low-emitting pellet stoves are allowed anywhere in Washoe County. Even where a wood device is allowed, only one can be installed. Resale of a property with a wood-burning device requires an inspection by a certified inspector. In the Tahoe and Incline Village area, contact the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
For questions, call the Wood-Burning Device Program at 775-784-7200 or email [email protected].
Who heats with wood here
The Census (ACS 2020-2024) estimates that about 2,266 Washoe County households heat mainly with wood, or about 1.1 percent. In Lemmon Valley it is about 9.4 percent, and in the Palomino Valley ZIP 89510 about 27.7 percent. See our wood-heat data for the full table. Rural wood heat is common and burn rules affect those households most.
Do you need a permit to burn brush outdoors?
Under NRS 472.520, burning brush, grass, logs or other flammable material outside incorporated cities and towns generally requires a written permit from the State Forester Firewarden or an authorized agent. The statute lists exceptions, including screened or approved incinerators and small piles at least 100 feet from wooded, brushy or dry-grass areas with an adult present. Violations are a misdemeanor. If you clear brush for defensible space, ask the fire agency before you pile and burn, or have it chipped and hauled.
Before you burn
- Check the status and device rules with Northern Nevada Public Health.
- Burn seasoned wood below 20 percent moisture. See season and stack firewood.
- Keep woodpiles away from the house.
- Ask the fire agency about outdoor burning, and use a permit where required.
Keeping your woodpile out of the fire hazard category
Burn-day rules are about air quality. Fire safety is a separate question. University of Nevada, Reno Extension asks that woodpiles be cleared from the first 5 feet around a building, and fire districts may ask for more. If you heat with wood, stack away from the house, rake pine needles out of the pile and keep dry brush away from it. See what is defensible space.
Buying wood in Washoe County
We sell a variety of Reno firewood. Call 775.232.8243 for availability and pricing.
Sources
- Northern Nevada Public Health: Wood-Burning Devices (read October 17, 2026)
- Nevada Legislature: NRS Chapter 472 (NRS 472.520, burning permits) (read October 17, 2026)
- Northern Nevada Public Health (Know the Code, burn code program) (read October 17, 2026)