The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District is reminding residents that its “Don’t Light Tonight” program begins Nov. 1 and runs through the end of February. “Don’t Light Tonight” advisories ask residents not to burn wood on days when fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, pollution is forecast to reach an Air Quality Index of 78 or higher. These advisories apply to all of Yolo County and northeastern Solano County, including Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacaville.
“During winter, weather conditions can trap pollution close to the ground, and wood smoke from residential wood burning can further worsen air quality,” said Air District Board Chair Jim Ernest. “Checking the ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ status before lighting a fire is a simple way to help protect the health of our communities.”
Residents can check daily “Don’t Light Tonight” advisories at www.ysaqmd.org, follow YSAQMD on Facebook, Nextdoor. and X, sign up for email or text alerts at www.ysaqmd.enviroflash.info, or call (530) 757-3787. Daily status information is updated by noon when an advisory is issued.
The Air District is also encouraging residents to take advantage of its Woodsmoke Reduction Program, which offers financial assistance to replace older wood-burning devices with cleaner heating alternatives. The program offers $2,500 or $5,000 vouchers, depending on household income, to replace older, non-EPA-certified woodstoves, fireplace insert or open-hearth fireplaces with cleaner heating devices. Eligible replacements include natural gas, propane or electric fireplace inserts and EPA-certified wood-burning devices such as woodstoves and pellet stoves.
Replacing older wood-burning devices can help reduce neighborhood wood smoke throughout the winter. To learn more about eligibility and apply, visit www.ysaqmd.org/woodstoves.
Wood smoke contains fine particulate matter, PM2.5, and other harmful air pollutants. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and worsen asthma, trigger asthma attacks and contribute to serious cardiovascular effects, including heart attacks and strokes, according to the U.S. EPA. Children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable. Reducing wood smoke can help improve air quality and protect community health.
During the 2025–26 “Don’t Light Tonight” season, 35 advisories were issued, up from 18 the previous season. Persistent high pressure limited air mixing last winter, allowing pollution to build up over multiple days. Light winds also reduced pollutant dispersion, while frequent morning fog contributed to increased particle formation.
Air quality was in the Good AQI category on 24 percent of days and the Moderate AQI category on 76 percent of days. No days reached the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, which begins at an AQI of 101.
