Riverside, CA – Southern California residents in the Inland Empire and Orange County are under a mandatory No-Burn order Friday as stagnant weather traps fine particle pollution across the region.
According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the No-Burn Day prohibits the use of wood-burning fireplaces, fire pits, and manufactured fire logs both indoors and outdoors through midnight. The ban applies to all of Orange County and non-desert areas of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including cities like Riverside, San Bernardino, Corona, and Anaheim.
The air quality alert is triggered by rising levels of PM-2.5 — microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles are especially dangerous for older adults, children, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Health officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities and use air purifiers indoors when possible.
Exemptions apply to homes above 3,000 feet, the Coachella Valley, and households that rely solely on wood for heating. However, enforcement is in place for all other areas.
Conditions could persist if current weather patterns hold. More No-Burn alerts may follow into the weekend. Residents can track local air quality and sign up for alerts at www.aqmd.gov.
