New Year's Fireworks To Bring Unhealthy Air Quality In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a ban on indoor and outdoor wood burning through New Year's Day due to forecasts of high air pollution related to widespread use of fireworks.

The residential wood-burning ban is expected to last until Wednesday afternoon for the South Coast Air Basin, including Los Angeles County.

Residents are advised against burning wood in fireplaces or any indoor or outdoor wood-burning device at any time during No-Burn Days.

“Do your part to help keep our air clean by not burning wood during the mandatory wood-burning ban. No-Burn Day alerts are mandatory in order to protect public health when levels of fine particulate air pollution in the region are forecast to be high anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin,” the district said in a statement.

Fine particles in wood smoke, also known as particulate matter or PM2.5, can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems such as asthma.

Pollution from fireworks is also known to contain high levels of several toxic metals, the AQMD said. Even smaller backyard fireworks can lead to wildfires and health concerns according to health officials.

All of November through February is “Check Before You Burn” season, meaning residents should check emission levels before burning any wood or logs. To check whether burning is advised in your area year-round, visit the South Coast Air Basin’s map.