Heavy Pollution Levels Trigger No-Burn Order For LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Because of predicted high air pollution levels Saturday, all indoor and outdoor residential wood burning will be prohibited for people in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Orange County and non- desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The ban was issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the 24-hour period beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

"The no-burn rule prohibits burning wood as well as manufactured fire logs, such as those made from wax or paper," an AQMD statement said.

No-burn alerts are mandatory in order to protect public health when levels of "fine particulate air pollution" in the region are forecast to be high, the SCAQMD reported.

"Smoke from wood burning can cause health problems," the statement said. "Particles in wood smoke ... can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems -- including asthma attacks-- and increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations," the statement said.

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 alert is issued.

AQMD's no-burn alerts do not apply to mountain communities above 3,000 feet in elevation, the Coachella Valley, or the High Desert

Homes that rely on wood as a sole source of heat -- as well as low- income households and those without natural gas service -- also are exempt from the requirement. Natural gas and other non-wood burning fireplaces are not restricted.

AQMD's "Check Before You Burn" program is in effect from November through the end of February, when particulate levels are highest.

A link to additional information and an interactive no-burn alert map is available at www.AirAlerts.org.

For 24-hour recorded Check Before You Burn information, call (866) 966- 3293.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

City News Service; Photo: (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)