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Air District Fact

The District also enforces the California Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) which regulates the Naturally-Occurring Asbestos (NOA) emissions from grading, quarrying, and surface mining operations at sites which contain ultramafic rock. The provisions that cover these operations are found in the California Code of Regulations, Section 93105.

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Wood Burning Status

The 2009-10 Winter Spare the Air season ended on February 28. There is currently no wood burning ban in place.

The Bay Area burn status will be updated daily during the 2010-11 Winter Spare the Air season beginning November 1.

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Air Quality Widgets | BAAQMD

Wildfire Safety

The California wildfire season takes place between spring and early fall. The Air District monitors general air quality in the Bay Area and will issue a health advisory if wildfire smoke appears to be causing elevated levels of particulate pollution in the region.

Wildfire Safety Tips
Stay aware of local news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.
Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, avoid physical outside activities and don't let your children play outdoors.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it's extremely hot outside. If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

Run your home or car air conditioner on recycle or recirculate. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.

If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.

For general smoke and fire information, see CAPCOA’s information and resources. For more wildfire health and safety tips, visit this CDC website.