Backyard burn season ended April 30, so now through Nov. 30, the
residential burning of dry yard trimmings is not allowed in San
Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Backyard burn season ended April 30, so now through Nov. 30, the residential burning of dry yard trimmings is not allowed in San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Fires to dispose of dry vegetation cleared prior to a construction project are also not permitted, according to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District.
These types of fires are prohibited during the summer and fall because of increased air pollution and fire danger during these months. Burning vegetation also emits carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and hydrocarbons into the air, some of which combine to form ozone and smog.
The air district says exposure to air pollution can cause health effects ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat to respiratory disease. These exposures can also aggravate existing health conditions such as asthma and emphysema.
The burn season restriction does not prohibit agricultural burning, recreational or ceremonial fires, or use of in-home fireplaces/wood stoves and outdoor barbecues.
For more information on burning restrictions, go to www.mbuapcd.org.
