It would be costly mistake to disregard no-burn days

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With cooler weather expected soon, people are looking forward to throwing a few logs in the fireplace and lighting up a warm and cozy fire. But that's going to be illegal on quite a few more days this winter than in the past. And the consequences of violations could be steep.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has tightened the rules on wood burning. Officials predict that in some valley areas, there could be four times as many no-burn days called this winter as last year. And an exemption for those living in the foothills is history.

The only exemption still on the books is for those who have no access to natural gas in their homes and who use stoves as their primary means of heating. In an emergency or blackout, fireplaces may be used when other heating sources are cut off.

Some predict that there will be a lot of scofflaws burning wood in their fireplaces anyway. That may be so, but it could be costly. The first offense carries a fine of $50. That can be waived if the offender attends an air pollution class, but subsequent offenses could draw fines of $150 and higher.

Not being able to burn wood in fireplaces means little more than forgoing a pleasant winter ritual for many. For those who struggle to pay utility bills, it can be a genuine hardship. But the cost is worthwhile -- wood smoke contributes much of the wintertime particulate pollution that is responsible for serious health problems in the valley.

Particles from wood smoke can lodge deep in the lungs and cause asthma and other lung diseases. The particles also are implicated in heart disease. In the winter, when weather conditions often make wood smoke hug the ground, the impact can be exacerbated.

For some of those who face economic hardship, there may be help. The air district plans to revive a program that offers rebates to residents who buy and install pellet stoves or natural gas fireplaces, devices that don't pollute as badly as conventional wood-burning fireplaces.

Pacific Gas & Electric also may be able to help. Some residents could qualify for discounts or programs that spread the cost of energy bills evenly across the year.

As in the past, the air district will have employees out looking for violations on no-burn days. Complaints about violations also will be taken from the public. Some people are uncomfortable about "snitching out the neighbors," but that should not be a concern.

All of us have a responsibility to participate in the effort to clean the air, and that includes those who burn wood in fireplaces. They contribute a small part of the pollution problem, but all those small parts add up to the mess we have. Every little bit helps when it comes to cleaner air.