The District urges all Valley residents to help reduce harmful PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller) emissions and heat their homes by means other than burning wood whenever possible. Residential wood burning is one of the Valley’s largest sources of wintertime PM2.5 emissions and is shown to have a direct effect on neighborhood air quality.
“We’re asking San Joaquin Valley residents to continue the cooperation that has had a direct, positive impact on public health,” said District Chief Communications Officer, Jaime Holt. “Choosing not to use your wood burning fireplace this winter is critical in our pollution reduction efforts and key to public health,” she added.
The Residential Wood Smoke Reduction program runs from November 1 through the end of February every year, protecting public health through the reduction of harmful particulate matter. During that time, the District releases a daily, wood-burning status for each county, based on the air quality forecast. There are three burn status levels:
Daily burn information is available by visiting www.valleyair.org/burnstatus, by calling 1-800-SMOG INFO (766-4463), or by downloading the free “Valley Air” app on your mobile device. In addition, residents are invited to sign up for daily wood-burning email notifications.
Restrictions do not apply to natural gas devices. Residences in areas with no natural gas service or where wood burning is the sole source of heat are exempt. Areas where propane tanks are used are considered to be without natural gas service. Outdoor wood burning devices, such as outdoor fire pits and chimineas, at all residences cannot be registered and are still subject to daily restrictions, regardless of exemption status.
Valley residents are encouraged to participate in the Fireplace & Woodstove Change-Out program and receive as much as $5,000 to upgrade from older, higher-polluting wood stoves and open-hearth fireplaces to electric heat pumps or natural gas inserts. To participate in this program, visit www.valleyair.org/change-out.
Residents with EPA Certified wood and pellet-fueled devices may register them with the Valley Air District in order to use them on “No Burning Unless Registered” days. Register by visiting: www.valleyair.org/deviceregistration.
