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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Much of the Southland will be under a ``no-burn'' order today, meaning indoor fireplace use and outdoor wood burning will be prohibited in most places due to pollution concerns.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued the order for all residences in the South Coast Air Basin, including Riverside County.
The order excludes Riverside County's Coachella Valley and the high desert, residences above 3,000 feet in elevation, low-income households and homes where wood burning is the only source of heat.
The restrictions went into effect at midnight and expire at 11:59 p.m. today.
Fine particles in wood smoke can penetrate deep into lungs, causing problems for people with asthma or other respiratory disorders, SCAQMD officials said.
Residents can register online at www.AirAlerts.org to receive emails when no-burn alerts are issued in their area.