First Valley-wide burn prohibition in effect
By The Bakersfield Californian
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued a burning prohibition throughout the San Joaquin Valley, the first time this year the ban has stretched across the entire valley.
Poor air quality is predicted in all eight counties, possibly through the weekend, according to the district.
The prohibition went into effect at midnight on Thursday should continue through midnight Friday -- though it could be extended throughout the weekend.
The air district said it runs the burn restrictions and prohibitions since wood burning can add to the area's particulate matter, which can cause health risks.
Locally, the ban is in effect for the Valley portion of Kern counties (with the exception of Frazier Park). The two exceptions are residents that don't have access to natural gas service, or if burning is the sole source of a residence's heat. Prohibition violations are subject to fines.
Daily wood-burning forecasts are issued at 4:30 each afternoon and available at at http://www.valleyair.org/aqinfo/WoodBurnpage.htm, by calling 1-800 SMOG INFO (766-4463) or by subscribing to the Air District's daily air quality forecast at www.valleyair.org/lists/list.htm.
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