The Bay Area is the first region in the nation to ban wood-burning devices in all new construction.

The decision came Wednesday from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which also approved much tighter rules for existing homes.

Fine particles from wood-burning devices are one of the biggest health threats to Bay Area residents during the winter season, according to the air quality board. The new rules bans any wood-burning device in new construction starting in the fall of 2016.

For existing homes, chimneys and remodels costing $15,000 and requiring a building permit, will have to be replaced with EPA wood burning, gas or electric systems. Companies that make or sell those systems will be required to comply with new EPA emission standards.

People selling their home will not be required to change out wood-burning devices, but will have to disclose the hazards of wood smoke to the new owners.

There is one exemption to the new rules: Current wood-burning systems will be allowed to stay if it is a home's only heating option.