Riverside, CA – Residents across the Inland Empire and Orange County will need to keep their fireplaces dark Monday as a mandatory wood-burning ban goes into effect under a South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) alert. The restriction, part of the region’s Check Before You Burn program, targets fine particle pollution expected to spike during a calm, stagnant fall weather pattern.
According to the South Coast AQMD, the No-Burn Day covers all areas within the South Coast Air Basin — including Orange County and the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The rule prohibits burning wood, pellets, or manufactured fire logs in both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or wood stoves. Exceptions apply for homes above 3,000 feet in elevation, in the Coachella Valley, or for households that rely on wood as their sole heat source.
Officials warn that fine particulate matter from wood smoke can worsen asthma, trigger heart and lung problems, and increase emergency room visits. Residents are advised to keep windows closed, use indoor air purifiers or air conditioners in recirculation mode, and limit prolonged outdoor activity when haze or smoke is visible.
To check daily air quality and No-Burn alerts, residents can visit www.aqmd.gov/cbyb or download the South Coast AQMD app for updates.
