Don't Light The Fire Pit In Dana Point: No Burn Order In Place, Air Quality Alert

DANA POINT, CA — A massive Air Quality Alert has gone out across Southern California, affecting Dana Point and all of Orange County, according to the National Weather Service.

On Monday, residents were advised by the South Coast Air Quality Management District not to burn log fires indoors or outdoors. The alert would be in place until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, according to a recent news release.

As of Monday afternoon, air quality across the Orange County region was considered moderate.

"The South Coast AQMD has extended a mandatory wood-burning ban for residents in the South Coast Air Basin. The No-Burn rule bans burning wood, pellets, and manufactured fire logs in any indoor or outdoor wood-burning device."

According to the alert, particles in smoke can get deep into the lungs and cause health problems (including asthma attacks). That can lead to increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

"No-Burn Days are needed to protect public health when fine particle pollution levels are expected to be high anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin," the district said. "No-Burn Days are based on fine particle pollution levels that are forecasted for an entire 24-hour period, which may not be reflected in real-time air quality maps," describes the NWS. "Run your air conditioner and/or an air purifier and avoid using devices that bring in outside air like a swamp cooler or whole house fan if you have other ways to stay cool."

The South Coast AQMD's Check Before You Burn program is in effect from November through February, when particulate levels in our air are at their highest. Thus far, out of three days, two no-burn day alerts have been issued for the 2025-26 season.

Residents can help reduce the harmful health effects of wood smoke by signing up to receive e-mail alerts at www.AirAlerts.Org to learn when a mandatory No-Burn Day alert is issued, or follow Patch for updates.