San Joaquin Valley APCD Wood Smoke Reduction Program Begins November 1

 

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District) reminds residents that on November 1, 2022, its residential wood smoke reduction program begins. Before lighting your wood burning fireplace, please be sure to check with the District to see if ambient conditions allow for it to occur. Otherwise, you may be surprised by a knock on your door by a friendly District air pollution control enforcement inspector.

Photo Credit: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

The annual program is in effect from November 1 until the end of the following February every year. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of harmful PM 2.5 particulate matter into the atmosphere from residential wood smoke. (PM 2.5 is particulate less than 2.5 microns in diameter.) Such particles are so small that they can reach deep into one's lungs and are difficult if not impossible for the lung's mucociliary system to remove.

The program does not apply to natural gas burning, propane, or in areas where natural gas isn't available and wood burning is the only source available for heat.

For more information, please call 1-800-SMOGINFO (1-800-766-4463) or click this link:

Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Program

Use RAAN to see how bad the air outside really is

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) issued an air quality alert for Valley residents yesterday due to smoke from California's wildfires. If you step outside and take a deep breath or just look at the hazy skies, you will quickly understand why. 

If you want to get a little more information on just how bad it really is as measured by ambient air quality monitors, then check out the APCD's Real-time Air Advisor Network (RAAN). By using either a free app or by typing in your zip code at the RAAN website, you can see what the ozone and PM2.5 levels are in your area right now and throughout the day.

Again, because of the risk to your health, the APCD recommends that you avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the skies clear to safer levels.