Overview
- The ban covers all indoor and outdoor burning of wood and other solid fuels, including fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves and outdoor fire pits at homes and businesses.
- Air district measurements showed fine particulate concentrations at or above the threshold Thursday morning, with levels expected to stay in the mid- to high-moderate range for several days.
- Limited exemptions apply only to homes without permanent heating that use EPA-certified or pellet-fueled devices registered with the district, while open-hearth fireplaces do not qualify.
- First-time violators are directed to a wood smoke awareness course, with a $100 ticket for those who decline and a $500 penalty for a second violation.
- Officials warn that wood smoke is linked to respiratory illness, increased heart attack risk and some cancers, posing heightened risks for children, older adults and people with respiratory conditions.