From November through February, residents are required to refrain from indoor and outdoor wood burning on days when poor air quality is forecast, as part of their “Check Before You Burn” campaign. 

During the winter season, stagnant weather and smog can cause elevated levels of air pollution. Particulate matter, such as that found in wood smoke from fireplaces, exacerbates these conditions. Elevated particulate pollution can worsen respiratory conditions and heighten the likelihood of asthma attacks and other cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

South Coast AQMD issues “No-burn Alerts” when unhealthy air quality is predicted, restricting residential wood-burning in fireplaces, backyard fire pits, and wood stoves for 24 hours.

There are multiple ways to Check Before You Burn:

• Sign up at www.AirAlerts.org to receive air quality forecasts and to be notified when a No-burn alert has been issued.
• Visit the Check Before You Burn website.
• Call 866-966-3293 for daily Check Before You Burn information.
• Download the South Coast AQMD app to check local air quality and receive notifications when No-burn Days are called.
• Follow South Coast AQMD on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram.

To learn more about the program, visit www.aqmd.gov/cbyb. To file a residential complaint, call 1-800-CUT-SMOG.