What Is a No-Burn Day?
A No-Burn Day is a mandatory 24-hour ban on wood burning in residential fireplaces, wood stoves, and outdoor fire pits. Alerts are issued by SCAQMD forecasters. They look at the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and when it is expected to reach unhealthy levels. That’s typically driven by a combination of high emissions and stagnant weather conditions. These end up trapping pollutants close to the ground.
No-Burn Days are part of SCAQMD’s annual “Check Before You Burn” program. It runs each year from November 1 through the end of February.
Who Must Comply?
No-Burn Day restrictions apply to residents throughout the South Coast Air Basin. This includes everyone in all of Orange County as well as the non-desert portions of Los Angeles (if you live in Culver City, this means you). Riverside and San Bernardino counties are also included.
Exemptions
The following are not required to comply with No-Burn Day restrictions:
- Mountain communities located above 3,000 feet in elevation
- Residents in the Coachella Valley or High Desert
- Homes where wood is the sole source of heat
- Low-income households
- Homes without natural gas service
- Gas fireplaces and fire pits (these are always permitted)
If you fall into one of these exempt categories, you may continue burning even on a No-Burn Day.
How to Check Whether Today Is a No-Burn Day
SCAQMD provides several ways to check the current burn status:
- Interactive Map (recommended): The Check Before You Burn Map shows daily forecast information by location — the easiest way to check your specific area.
- SCAQMD Air Advisories has No-Burn Alerts after Smoke Advisories and Windblown Dust & Ash Advisories.
- SCAQMD Program Page: aqmd.gov – Check Before You Burn for general program information and updates.
- Toll-Free Hotline: Call 1-866-966-3293 for daily recorded No-Burn Day information.
- Email Alerts: Sign up at airalerts.org to receive notifications when a No-Burn alert is issued for your neighborhood.
- Mobile App: Download the South Coast AQMD app to check local air quality and get push notifications.
- Social Media: Follow SCAQMD on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram for real-time announcements.
- If you’re resourceful and tech-savvy, you can take a look at the RSS Feed and search for “No-Burn Alert”.
Why Does This Matter?
Wood smoke contributes significantly to fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution. These can unfortunately cause serious health problems. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart disease are particularly vulnerable. During winter months the problem is even worse. Cool and stagnant air traps smoke close to the ground.
Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
| When does the season run? | November 1 – end of February |
| What’s prohibited on a No-Burn Day? | Wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits |
| Are gas fireplaces allowed? | Yes, always |
| Who is exempt? | Mountain communities above 3,000 ft, Coachella Valley/High Desert, homes relying on wood as sole heat source, low-income households, homes without natural gas |
| How do I check today’s status? | SCAQMD Map · Hotline: 866-966-3293 · SCAQMD App |
| Where do I sign up for alerts? | airalerts.org |
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Culver City?
Fireplace type, home heating setup, and neighborhood air quality are the kinds of details that matter to buyers and sellers alike. They’re the kinds of details a knowledgeable local agent will think to address. Martin Feinberg is a Culver City-based Realtor with deep familiarity with the area’s homes, neighborhoods, and the practical realities of living here. If you’re considering a move, he’s a good person to talk to.
Contact Martin Feinberg – Culver City Realtor
Information sourced from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Check their website for the most current seasonal updates.