Sacramento air officials expand first fireplace, stove ban of fall. How long will it last?
.JPG "The downtown Sacramento skyline is obscured by smoke from wildfires in Northern California on Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Air quality readings for particulate matter (PM 2.5), the pollutant most closely associated with smoke, was in the “unhealthy” range.")
Sacramento area residents are prohibited from using their fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves , the first such ban this fall.
The ban began Saturday and was extended to Tuesday, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s Check Before You Burn website.
That’s because air pollution levels are expected to be too high, according to the air quality district. The air quality index has reached above 100 for small particulate matter (under 2.5 microns).
During cooler months, wood smoke can reach unhealthy levels, increasing the amount of fine particulate matter in the air. The pollution is especially problematic because it is small enough to get into a person’s bloodstream. Repeated exposure can increase the risk of developing or aggravating heart and lung ailments.
It will be illegal to burn wood, manufactured fire logs or pellets. The ban applies to residents and businesses in Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento and those in unincorporated Sacramento County.
First-time violators are subject to a $50 fine, according to the air quality district. A person can take an exam on wood smoke awareness to avoid paying the penalty, but repeat violators can face larger fines.
This story was originally published December 1, 2024 at 12:35 PM.
