Find out Who Serves as the Fireplace Police

The South Coast Air Quality District has declared two no-burn days in the last two weeks, meaning you can’t burn wood or manufactured logs in your fireplace.

But what happens if you do? And who reports you? These are the questions Patch readers have been asking. And finally, we have an answer for you from Sam Atwood, district media relations manager:

“In terms of SCAQMD’s enforcement policy, field inspectors will not be conducting focused inspections to actively look for residences where wood burning is occurring. However inspectors will attempt to respond to complaints from residents of suspected wood burning at residences during no-burn alert days.

“SCAQMD inspectors will not enter homes or property of alleged violators. If an inspector cannot document a violation, educational materials will be sent to the property that was reported to have burned wood in a residential fireplace on a no-burn day. If a violation is documented, a letter will be sent to the resident. For the first violation, the resident has an option of completing a smoke-awareness class that can be completed online or through the mail, or pay a penalty of $50. Educational materials on the health impacts of burning wood will also be included in these letters.”

Now you know!