Wood burning in the winter is responsible for more than 50 percent of the fine particle pollution in Sacramento County. Photo by StockSnap via Pixabay

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sac Metro Air District launched its “Check Before You Burn” season on Nov. 1. The program, which continues through the end of February, requires residents and businesses in Sacramento County, including those in the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, to check the daily burn status before using a wood-burning fireplace or other wood-burning device.

When fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is forecast to be high, the Sac Metro Air District restricts burning of solid fuels, including wood, pellets and manufactured fire logs. This program helps reduce the harmful health effects of air pollution caused by wood smoke.

Wood burning in the winter is responsible for more than 50 percent of the fine particle pollution in Sacramento County. Wood smoke, much like wildfire smoke, contains tiny toxic particles that, when inhaled, can enter the bloodstream, presenting serious health risks. Children, older adults, and anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition are especially vulnerable. Exposure to wood smoke can increase the risk of asthma, heart attack, stroke and other health issues.

Three easy ways to Check Before You Burn:

View the daily burn status at www.AirQuality.org/CBYB.

Follow @AQMD on X (Formerly Twitter).

Call the burn status hotline at 1-877-NO-BURN-5 (1-877-662-8765).

For more information, visit Sac Metro Air District’s Check Before You Burn webpage at www.airquality.org and click on Check Before You Burn at the bottom of the website.