Avoid Wood-Burning In Temecula Valley In Early February: No Burn Alert

TEMECULA VALLEY, CA — The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a No-Burn Alert for Monday, prohibiting wood burning in fireplaces and in all indoor or outdoor devices across Riverside County and three other counties.

The alert covers the South Coast Air Basin, including large areas of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties, except the high desert and Coachella Valley.

Smoke from wood burning can cause health problems, according to the AQMD. Fine particulate matter called PM2.5 can get deep into the lungs to cause asthma attacks and other respiratory problems, increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Homes that rely on wood as a sole source of heat, low-income households and those without natural gas service are exempt from the requirement. Gas and other non-wood burning fireplaces are also not restricted, according to the AQMD.

The order will be in effect at least through 11:59 p.m. Monday, officials said.

More information was available at www.aqmd.gov.