South Coast AQMD issued 35 No-Burn day alerts across the South Coast Air Basin during the tenth Check Before You Burn season. This is an increase from last year’s 25 No-Burn days, and above the 5-year seasonal average of 21 days. Unfavorable meteorology in November and early December along with increased emissions from the ports may have contributed to the increase.

Every winter from November 1 to the last day in February, when levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are forecast to be high, South Coast AQMD meteorologists issue a 24-hour ban on burning wood or manufactured fire logs for residential fireplaces and outdoor fire pits.

Smoke caused by burning wood in fireplaces can emit approximately five tons of harmful PM2.5 emissions per day in the South Coast Air Basin. That is equal to PM2.5 emissions from all passenger 
vehicles in the Basin. However, during the Check Before You Burn season when wood burning activities are more common, the PM2.5 emissions from this source can be twice as high compared to an average day in the year. Exposure to PM.2 is associated with premature death, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. Reducing wood burning on No-Burn days is critical to protect public health and is an important tool to help the region meet federal health-based clean air standards for PM2.5.

Residents can sign up for email or text notifications of No-Burn days at www.AirAlerts.org.