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Got a fireplace? Keep it cold, much of SoCal under wood burning ban
A hot dog over a firepit at sunset at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach.
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Allen J. Schaben
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
Topline:
Much of Southern California is under a wood burning ban, including parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties, through Friday.
What it means: No cozying up by the fireplace or backyard fire pits. The ban includes wood, as well as logs made from wax or paper.
Why now: The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended the wood-burning ban for another two days after high levels of fine particle pollution was forecast.
Why it matters: Scott Epstein, who oversees air quality assessments, told LAist that fine particle pollution can be unhealthy — especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing heart or lung issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What you can do: It’s important to reduce your exposure to fine particle pollution and bad air quality in general, Epstein said. He recommends keeping your windows and doors closed if you can, limit heavy outdoor activity, and avoid using anything that can bring outside air inside. So switch off the whole house fan and run an air conditioner or air purifier instead.
The backstory: Four burn alerts have been issued so far this season, which isn’t unusual for this time of year.
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How to stay up to date: You can find the latest air quality measurement data here, or through the South Coast AQMD mobile app.
Read more: …about L.A. and air pollution.
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