Fireplace Retrofit Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Although typically warmer than other parts of the U.S., winters in Phoenix create somewhat unique air quality challenges as the city lies in a valley. The Phoenix metropolitan area is often referred to as the Valley of the Sun. As winter days shorten and families gather for the holidays, Maricopa County valley residents are most likely to linger around their fireplaces and other wood burning devices. Adding to the mix is the lighting of fireworks during New Year’s celebrations. Unfortunately, the ambient air quality pays the price for these cultural traditions. When the number of wood burning fires soar, so do the levels of unhealthy PM2.5 (smoke) in the air. Residual effects from wood burning are harmful to everyone, particularly those with compromised lung functionality, the elderly and children. The Maricopa County Fireplace Retrofit Program (MCFRP) was developed to improve public health and combat poor seasonal air quality by providing residents with cleaner burn options to wood burning activities at little or no cost. By assisting residents in obtaining cleaner-burning devices, the program aids in the reduction of PM2.5 during the wood burning season.