What's happpening:

Why it's important:

What you can do to help:

"No Burn" programs aimed at keeping pollution levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) below the health-based standards are in place for the November 2009 to February 2010 winter season.  Wood burning restrictions and voluntary programs are necessary to meet the federal government's health standard for PM 2.5.

Exposure to air laden with smoke particulates worsens existing asthma, increases the likelihood of stroke and heart attacks in postmenopausal women, causes chronic bronchitis, and poses a particular threat to children, who take in more air in relation to their size than adults.  Wood smoke and the Sacramento calm weather conditions contribute to unhealthy air days from November to February. Reducing wood smoke particulates improves air quality, leading to better quality of life for area residents, improved public health, and may avoid the need to adopt other more stringent and costly regulations that could affect homeowners, businesses, and agriculture.


Check the burn status in your country prior to burning:
•             El Dorado County
•             Placer County  
•             Sacramento County: "Check Before you Burn" Program
•             Yolo-Solano Counties: "Don't Light Tonight" Program
•             Yuba-Sutter Counties