Rules that restrict wood-burning in Sacramento County begin Thursday to protect the region's air quality.
This is the sixth year for the rules, imposed by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. From Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, heating with wood is restricted or banned when fine particulated pollution is high.
The region has managed to meet federal particulate standards, partly because of the burning restrictions. The rules apply to fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor firepits and chimineas in residences and businesses, whether they burn firewood, pellets, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel.
Residents of the county and its incorporated cities are advised to check air-quality conditions before burning. In an early-stage alert, residents are encouraged to voluntarily avoid burning wood. "Stage 1" conditions allow burning of an EPA-certified fireplace insert or woodstove. All burning is prohibited in "Stage 2" conditions.
Residents may check the burn status by calling (877) NO-BURN (662-8765), or online at www.airquality.org or twitter.com/aqmd. Email alerts are also available by visiting www.sparetheair.com. The burn status is also printed daily on The Sacramento Bee weather page.
Violations are subject to a $50 fine, which increases with subsequent violations. The public can report violations by calling (800) 880-9025.
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