South Coast AQMD issued 10 No-Burn day alerts across the South Coast Air Basin during the 11th annual Check Before You Burn Season.

This is a decrease from last year’s 35 No-Burn days. The majority of No-Burn days occurred during the holiday period at the end of December 2022. This year, the nearly 70 percent decrease in No-Burn days was likely due in large part to more frequent winter storms.

Every winter from November 1st 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. NoBurn days are based on fine particulate pollution that is forecasted for an entire 24-hour period, which may not be reflected in real-time air quality maps.

This season approximately 110 complaints were received and investigated related to unauthorized burning on NoBurn days. In addition, 24 violation notices were issued to those who were observed to be burning on No-Burn days.

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.