Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
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Learn Before You Burn
Download the info sheet here
Responsible burning can minimize its impact on ambient air quality and reduce other risks.
The Mojave Desert AQMD does not have in place a woodsmoke rule. However, we've developed this informational outreach program, Learn Before You Burn, to help you when you choose to burn and how you burn yard waste for disposal, and how you burn to heat your home.
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From the U.S. EPA: Wood Smoke and COVID-19COVID-19 may compromise heart and/or lung function in people who contract it. For those who are recovering from the virus, this effect may increase the risk of health effects from exposure to residential wood smoke this heating season. In addition, exposure to wood smoke may make you more susceptible to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19. Note that because particle pollution is the main component of wood smoke, most of our understanding of the potential health consequences of wood smoke exposure comes from examining research on the health effects of particle pollution. Visit the website at the above link for more information on protecting yourself and knowing the difference between symptoms of wood smoke exposure and COVID-19. |
Burning yard waste?
Get a permit: Call or visit your local fire station for details on obtaining the proper burn permit.
Please burn carefully! Take all safety precautions to maintain control over the burn and prevent danger.
Check conditions: MDAQMD issues daily burn forecasts. Click here for the current status/forecast.
Burning to heat your home?
Consider alternatives: Wood smoke increases particulate pollution. Consider other heating sources when possible.
If there are no alternatives to wood-burning:
Burn the right wood: Save money and time. Burn only dry, seasoned wood and maintain a hot fire.
The right way: Keep your home safer. Have a certified technician install and annually service your appliance.
In the right appliance: Make your home healthier. Upgrade to an efficient, EPA-approved wood-burning appliance.
Learn more about wood-burning practices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website here.
-- Never burn trash or household hazardous waste! --
Burning trash and hazardous waste is illegal and can cause serious danger and damage to life and property.
Before ANY kind of burning, check the Air Quality Index here. You can also sign-up for daily AQI forecasts delivered to your inbox.