DAVIS, CA (MPG) –The ‘Don’t’ Light Tonight’ season officially began on November 1 and will run through the end of February. This voluntary program asks Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (District) residents to refrain from burning wood to help lower particulate matter in the air on days when the District issues advisories.

The District will issue advisories asking residents not to use their wood stoves or fireplaces, unless it is the only source of heat, on days when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is forecast to reach 25 micrograms or higher. These advisories include residents within Yolo County and the northeastern portion of Solano County, including the cities of Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista.

During winter months, the air can become stagnant and cooler temperatures help trap air pollutants including PM2.5 closer to the ground, affecting the air we breathe. Wood smoke contains several toxic air pollutants including PM2.5, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. PM2.5 is especially unsafe because its small size allows it to bypass the body’s natural defenses and travel to the heart, lungs and respiratory systems. Breathing PM2.5 can trigger short term health effects like coughing and watery eyes, and can exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma. Wood smoke can affect anyone, but those most at risk for serious health problems include young children, older adults and those with heart or respiratory problems.

To help reduce wood smoke in their community, District residents are encouraged to participate in the Woodsmoke Reduction Program. This program provides incentives to help change out older woodstoves or open-hearth fireplaces to cleaner EPA certified heating devices. Learn more and check eligibility at www.ysaqmd.org/woodstoves.

Residents can check the status of and view ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ advisories by:

Following the District’s Facebook or Twitter accounts (@YoloSolanoAir); Signing up to receive an email or text at www.ysaqmd.enviroflash.info; Visiting the District’s website at www.ysaqmd.org; Calling (530) 757-3787 for the daily ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ status, updated by noon when an advisory is issued.