Check before you burn program begins Nov. 1

The South Coast Air Quality Air Management District’s “Check Before You Burn” program begins on November 1.

The annual program, which runs through the end of February, is designed to protect public health by minimizing harmful wood smoke from residential wood burning.  Before you use an indoor or outside fireplace on residential property, you can check the SCAQAMD website for information. By clicking on the Check Before You Burn link, you’ll see the daily forecast and the district’s recommendations for indoor or outdoor fireplaces. You can also sign up for daily reports on air quality and no-burn alerts.  

SCAQMD’s Rule 445 – Wood Burning Devices also includes other requirements pertaining to residential properties including a prohibition on newly installed wood-burning fireplaces.  The City of Mission Viejo encourages folks applying for a City building permit to review this rule.   Permits are not required for portable wood-burning fireplaces or pits.  SCAQMD enforces its Check Before You Burn program.  For more information, call  800-CUT-SMOG or 800-288-7664.