Millions in California Told To Limit Outdoor Activity As LA Alert Issued

Millions of people in southern California have been advised to limit outdoor activity and refrain from burning wood on Thursday amid concerns about air quality.

The mandatory wood-burning ban has been extended throughout the South Coast Air Basin, which includes Orange County and the non-desert areas of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The ban prohibits the burning of wood, pellets and manufactured fire logs, both indoors and outdoors.

It does not apply to areas above 3,000 feet in elevation and homes that rely on wood as a sole heat source, as well as low-income homes that do not have a natural gas service.

The ban and the air quality alert are in effect until midnight on Thursday across the South Coast Air Basin.

The No-Burn rule has been enforced because smoke particles can get into people’s lungs and cause respiratory issues.

“No-Burn days are needed to protect public health when fine particle pollution levels are expected to be high anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin,” a National Weather Service alert said.

It noted that No-Burn Days are implemented based on forecasted fine particle pollution levels over a 24-hour period, which might not be reflected in real-time air quality maps.

The agency suggests that residents limit their outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor.

People are also advised to run air conditioners and air purifiers, and avoid using devices that bring in outside air.

California suffers from some of the worst air quality issues in the country, partly due to its high population density, hot weather, frequent wildfires and high human-caused emissions.

The state has implemented several measures to address air quality issues, such as introducing strict vehicle emissions standards and promoting clean energy alternatives.

Regulators last month approved changes to the low carbon fuel standard, which will require gas stations to carry a more expensive but cleaner fuel blend.

Air quality is a persistent concern for the state and more air quality alerts have been issued in California this year than in 2023.

Air quality alerts can be accompanied by various calls to action depending on the specific concern, with residents sometimes being advised to avoid refueling their cars or being asked to avoid driving or carpool instead.

Alerts are more common in the summer due to the impact of hotter weather on the formation of ground-level ozone, which is a harmful pollutant.