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Oct 31, 2024

Wood smoke reduction program starts Nov. 1 - Riverbank News

San Joaquin Valley residents are being urged to prioritize public health by refraining from burning this winter and the new season for burn restrictions goes into effect on Friday, Nov. 1. The San

San Joaquin Valley residents are being urged to prioritize public health by refraining from burning this winter and the new season for burn restrictions goes into effect on Friday, Nov. 1.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is urging all Valley residents to help reduce harmful PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller) emissions and heat their homes using methods other than wood burning whenever possible. Residential wood burning is one of the Valley’s largest sources of wintertime PM2.5 emissions and directly affects neighborhood air quality and public health.

“Maintaining public health is a top priority for the Valley Air District. To positively impact the health of your family and your neighbors this winter, we are urging the public to refrain from using their wood-burning devices. San Joaquin Valley residents can significantly reduce winter-time pollution simply by choosing not to use their fireplace, woodstove or outdoor fire pit this winter,” said Jaime Holt, District Chief Communications Officer.

The Residential Wood Smoke Reduction program runs from Nov. 1 through the end of February every year, protecting public health by reducing harmful particulate matter. During this period, the District releases a daily, wood-burning status for each county, based on the air quality forecast. There are three burn status levels: Burning Discouraged; No Burning Unless Registered; No Burning For All.

Daily burn information is available by visiting valleyair.org/burnstatus, by calling 1-800-SMOG INFO (766-4463), or by downloading the free “Valley Air” app. 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 without 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, cannot be registered and are still subject to daily restrictions, regardless of exemption status.

Valley residents are also 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 valleyair.org/change-out.

Residents with EPA-Certified wood and pellet-fueled devices may register them with the Valley Air District for use only on “No Burning Unless Registered” days. Register by visiting: valleyair.org/deviceregistration.