SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The "Check Before You Burn" season starts November 1 in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
Poor air quality is something people usually think about in the summer, but certain weather patterns can create unhealthy air even in the fall and winter.
Particulate matter from wood-burning appliances can pollute the air, especially on days with an inversion. This is when warmer air is above cooler air at the surface, preventing pollutants from mixing out of the lower atmosphere.
The wood-burning rule gives officials the authority to prevent residents from burning on days when the weather pattern would promote poor air quality.
The Sacramento Air Quality Management District uses these four stages: Legal To Burn, Burning Discouraged, No Burning Unless Exempt and All Burning Prohibited. Go to www.SpareTheAir.com for more information on their program and exemptions.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District uses these three stages: Legal To Burn, No Burning Unless Registered and All Burning Prohibited. Go to www.valleyair.org for more information on their programs and exemptions.
Remember to burn clean fuels, such as manufactured logs for your fireplace, chiminea, wood stove or firepit. Items that are not allowed include garbage, treated wood or newspapers.
The air districts will monitor particulate matter 2.5 from wood smoke. The particles in this smoke are small enough to enter the bloodstream increasing the risk of asthma, heart attack, stroke and other health problems. Those with the highest risk are children, older adults and anyone with heart or lung conditions.
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