The YRCAA is delegated to enforce certain Federal Regulations, the Washington Clean Air Act, State Regulations and YRCAA Regulations, within the boundaries of Yakima County.

When fine particles of smoke are on the rise and stagnant weather conditions prevail, Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency can restrict the use of wood burning devices and all outdoor burning.

In addition to "air quality burn bans" local and state fire officials may place restrictions on outdoor burning based on fire hazard conditions, which occur typically during the dry summer and early fall.

Wood heating restrictions:

A color-coded system is used to report wood burning conditions:

Green: Air pollution levels are low and dispersion is good. There are no restrictions on the proper use of any solid fuel burning device certified or non-certified including wood burning stoves, fireplace inserts and fireplaces.

Yellow: This is a Stage 1 burn ban. Air pollution levels are rising or are already high due to poor dispersion. The use of solid fuel burning devices is restricted. Only EPA certified devices (wood, pellet stoves and inserts) may be used. All outdoor burning is banned countywide under a Stage 1 and 2.

Red: This is a Stage 2 burn ban. Air pollution has risen to a level threatening to public health, dispersion is poor and is not expected to improve in the next 24 to 72 hours. The use of all solid fuel burning devices is prohibited. All outdoor burning is banned countywide under a stage 1 and 2, this includes outdoor fireplaces, fire bowls, fire pits, and similar devices.