Check before you burn

Using a fireplace or wood stove on poor-air-quality days is not only unhealthy for sensitive groups but produces a level of fine-particulate saturation that is unhealthy for everyone. To help local air quality during cold months, Butte County Air Quality Management District has set up a Check Before You Light program. Before you burn, visit the website (www.bcaqmd.org) to check the day’s air quality (or to sign up for email updates), or call the burn hotline at 332-9407. If air quality is bad, don’t burn. Additionally, unless you have an exemption, burning on poor-quality days within Chico city limits is against the law.