Restrictions on residential wood-burning will resume Sunday as part of an annual program designed to improve winter air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Check Before You Burn program, which runs from November through February, gives daily air-quality forecasts at 4:30 p.m. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District officials either allow burning that evening or prohibit it.
The rules extend to residential fireplaces, backyard chimneys and fire pits. Homes that do not have access to natural gas service or which rely on wood burning as their only source of heat are exempt from the rules.
The daily forecasts depend on the levels of particulate matter — tiny pieces of soot, ash, dust and other materials — that can hang in the air on winter days, when air circulation in the San Joaquin Valley is minimal.
High levels of particulate pollution can have serious health effects, including bronchitis, lung disease and increased risk for heart attacks and stroke, according to the air pollution control district.
When wood burning is allowed, officials recommend using manufactured logs such as Duraflame or dry, seasoned wood that minimizes emissions.
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