AQI Legend

Air Quality Index
Levels of Health Concern 		Numerical
Value 		Meaning
Good 0 - 50 Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Moderate 51-100 Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups 		101 - 150 Members of sentitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be effected.
Unhealthy 151 - 200 Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Very Unhealthy 201 - 300 Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Hazardous > 300 Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be effected.

Spare The Air Information

On a Spare The Air Day:
  • Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
  • Drive less or choose a cleaner commute - share a ride to work or use public transportation.
  • Bicycle or walk to errands when possible and exercise in the morning before air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
  • Defer use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
  • Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
  • Combine errands and reduce trips.
  • Limit engine idling.
  • Keep tires properly inflated to increase gas mileage.
  • Avoid the use of charcoal lighter fluid and barbecues.
  • Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Don't Light Tonight Information

"Don't Light Tonight" is a voluntary program during the fall and winter in which the District asks residents not to use their wood burning appliances when air pollution approaches unhealthy levels. The program is aimed at reducing emissions from woodsmoke.
If you must have a wood burning fire, follow these tips to 'light it right':
  • Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
  • Build small, hot fires.
  • Do not burn garbage, glossy paper, painted and chemically treated wood. It is illegal.
  • Have your chimney inspected on a regular basis.
  • Give your fire plenty of room. A fire with a generous air supply reduces heavy smoke emissions.
  • Make sure your woodstove or fireplace insert fits properly.
  • Watch for heavy smoke from your chimney top - it means the wood is not burning efficiently.
  • When storing wood, stack it under cover in a dry ventilated area. Freshly cut wood needs to be stored for about eight to twelve months.
  • Use an EPA Phase II certified wood burning appliance.