Watch CBS News

Time To 'Check Before You Burn'

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - With the weather turning chilly, you may want to build a nice toasty fire in your fireplace, however, you could face a fine if you use your fireplace on the wrong day.

Today kicks off the San Joaquin Valley's "Check Before You Burn" program.

The program designates when you can and cannot burn wood based on the current air quality.

When you burn wood, tiny pieces of soot and ash can get into the air and enter peoples' lungs causing serious health effects especially for the elderly and people already suffering with lung and heart disease.

There is an exception if burning wood is your only source of heat.

Otherwise, you should check before you burn at valleyair.org or sparetheair.com.  You can also call the Smog Info line at 1-800-766—4463.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.