Now maybe Portland residents will understand the importance of a total ban on wood-burning in the metro area. We need building code that prohibits wood-burning fireplaces new construction, mandating gas fireplaces instead. We need subsidies for people to convert their fireplaces to gas. We need subsidies for people who own houses but are too poor to afford heating costs.
What we don't need, in the time of coronavirus and climate change, is to have people emitting toxic smoke into our air, poisoning themselves and others. Make no mistake, particles from wood smoke permanently damage your lungs and your lung's ability to fight off disease.
People get angry when someone's stupidity starts a wildfire, but they call wood-burning in their homes a tradition. They don't like being forced to breathe smoke from fires, but they don't mind choking their neighbors with their retro, outmoded, unneeded fireplace fires.