CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Residents Should Avoid Wood Fires Today, Agency Says

If you’re thinking of snuggling up next to a blazing wood fire to fight the January chill, think again.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a no-burn alert for residential wood-burning fireplaces that will last at least until midnight, according to the agency’s website. The alert covers areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Corona del Mar.

Both indoor and outdoor fireplaces are included in the advisory, although gas fires are exempt.

“Check Before You Burn alerts are called when air quality is predicted to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range or higher due to fine particulate levels,” according to the agency’s website. “This occurs when PM2.5 levels are forecast to be higher than 35 micrograms per cubic meter during a 24-hour average.”

The Check Before You Burn program goes into effect from Nov. 1 to the end of February every year and aims to protect public health by minimizing harmful wood smoke from residential wood burning, the website states.

“Wood smoke contains hundreds of contaminants including PM2.5, a pollutant linked to increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, as well as increased risk of heart attacks and early deaths,” the website states.

First-time violators could be fined $50 or ordered to attend a wood smoke awareness course, the website states. For second-time violations, fines increase to $150 “or a resident may install a dedicated gas-fueled fireplace,” the website states.

“Third time violators will receive a $500 fine or may fund a project that will benefit the environment,” the website states. Multiple violations accrued only in a single season. To report a suspected violation, call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (1-800-288-7664) or click here.