SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Even though fire season seems to have quieted down as we get closer to the end of the year, that doesn't mean we're out of the woods when it comes to poor air quality just yet.
Quiet weather patterns during winter months can prompt burn bans and similar warnings from various county air quality agencies throughout Northern California. Typically, from November to February the following year, experts monitor the levels of smoke particles in the air. Wood smoke, from either indoor or outdoor fireplaces, has proven to be hazardous to health, and certain weather patterns can concentrate smoke particles to meet or exceed what is safe for the community.
Sacramento Metro Air District's spokeswoman, Jamie Arno, says, " The more you burn. The more smoke particles in the air. The more pollution." She expects the no burn restriction to be in effect through Friday. That's because there are no major weather changes expected as a high-pressure system remains well entrenched over the Central Valley.
In Sacramento County, smoke trapped by cold air and an inversion layer —warm air that traps smoke from rising — is forecasted to be at a high level. Because of this, the county is prohibiting all solid wood burning from logs, manufactured logs and pellets.
Exemptions from financial hardship are possible if you fill out a form online.
San Joaquin County will have a ban on burning unless you have a permit. The county does have one higher level of ban which will ban all burning. Yolo County issued a burn ban for Monday, Nov. 30, as well.
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