Southern California Bans Wood Burning on Christmas Day for Air Pollution Concerns
As families across Southern California gather around the fireplace on Christmas Day, they may need to find an alternative source of warmth. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a ban on all wood burning, both indoor and outdoor, for Monday and Tuesday in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Orange County and nondesert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
The ban also includes manufactured fire logs made from wax or paper, as the district aims to reduce the levels of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in the air. These particles from wood smoke can pose serious health risks, including triggering asthma attacks and causing a surge in emergency hospitalizations.
Officials emphasized that the No-Burn Day Alert is mandatory and is issued when public health is at higher risk. The ban, originally scheduled for 24 hours, was extended by a day due to continued air quality concerns.
However, the ban does not apply to the Coachella Valley, the high desert, and mountain communities above 3,000 feet in elevation. Additionally, low-income households and homes that rely on wood as a sole source of heat are exempt from the ban.
Residents in the affected areas can register to receive email or text updates on fire restrictions at AirAlerts.org.
While a crackling fire may feel cozy on Christmas Day, officials are reminding Southern Californians that the pollution from wood burning is not worth the health risks.