Woodstoves in Missoula County

Solid fuel burning devices such as woodstoves and fireplaces are the primary source of winter air pollution throughout Missoula County. In order to clean up the air and protect residents’ health, Missoula Public Health has implemented rules about which devices may be installed and when they must be removed.

Woodstove Information Map: Includes properties in Missoula Air Stagnation Zone with stoves that can remain on point of sale. Click with left mouse button on property for site specific woodstove information.

Throughout Missoula County and Western Montana, the National 24-Hour Particulate Matter for particulate 2.5 microns in diameter and smaller (PM2.5) is threatened in the winter when temperature inversions trap air pollution to the valley floors. The main source of winter air pollution comes from residential woodstoves and fireplaces. To protect public health and keep particulate levels below the PM2.5 standard, it is crucial that wood stoves burn cleanly and that only the cleanest burning devices are installed. Over the years, several residential woodstove (solid fuel burning device) rules have been implemented in the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone. Efforts by many individuals over the decades has greatly reduced wood smoke levels and improved Missoula’s air quality. Because smoke from woodstoves causes elevated particulate levels throughout the county, new woodstove installation rules went into effect in 2010. Only clean burning devices will be permitted for installation through most of Missoula County.

Woodstove Removal Program in the Air Stagnation Zone

When property changes ownership inside the Air Stagnation Zone, older stoves must be removed and a certificate of compliance form must be filed at the Clerk & Recorder’s Office in the Courthouse.

The following solid fuel burning devices may remain in place when a property changes ownership:

• Commercially manufactured pellet stoves.
• Stone/masonry fireplaces that are structurally part of the building.
• Wood fired forced air combustion furnaces that heat living spaces through indirect heat transfer using forced air duct work or a pressurized water system.

What Stoves Can Be Installed in the City or County

Depending on your location, there may be limitations on what kind of solid fuel burning device you may install. Visit the stove installation map to learn more about what kind of device you can install in your area and explore an interactive map for detailed information.