How are prescribed fires managed?

Prescribed burns are carefully planned and set by trained professionals and agencies who get permission to burn. The permission is based on when air quality and weather conditions are optimal to minimize smoke impacts on nearby people and communities and reduce fire spread risk. The professionals monitor the fire and are ready to put it out if needed.

Are notifications sent out before a prescribed fire takes place?

The Los Angeles County Fire Department will send out notifications up to a week but no later than 24 hours before a burn. Updates are provided throughout the burn until complete.

Look for information from the Fire Department here:
You can also get updates from Watch Duty through its mobile app and website: watchduty.org

What should you know about prescribed fire, smoke, and health?

Prescribed fire is used for land management and wildfire risk reduction and are planned when wind and weather conditions will minimize smoke impacts on communities, but like all fire, creates smoke.

Anyone can experience symptoms if they are exposed to smoke, but older people, children, and people with asthma or other health conditions may be more sensitive.

Fire smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles. The biggest health threat from smoke is from tiny particles. These particles can get into your eyes and lungs, where they can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and other short-term health problems.

Who is at most risk from breathing in smoke?

Anyone may experience symptoms if they are exposed to smoke, but some people are more sensitive than others. People who are young, older, pregnant, or have existing lung or heart conditions, including asthma, should especially take steps to avoid breathing smoke.

People who live or work outside may experience higher exposure to fire smoke.

Anyone experiencing unusual or severe symptoms after breathing smoke should talk to their doctor or other medical professional

What can you do to avoid smoke from a nearby prescribed burn?

People should take the same precautions with smoke from wildfires or prescribed burns. Prescribed burn notifications allow advance planning.
  • If a prescribed fire is in your area, monitor the Fire & Smoke Map
  • Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) as a guide when deciding whether to do outdoor activities and when to wear a mask outdoors. You can check the AQI in your area using the AirNow app or website, or the South Coast AQMD app or website . Seeing or smelling smoke should also guide your decisions.
  • Plan outdoor activities at times to avoid periods of anticipated smoke.
  • In smoky conditions, stay indoors with windows and doors closed if possible. If you have a central air conditioning or heating system, set it to “recirculation” with a new high-efficiency filter (MERV 13 rating or higher). Use a certified portable air cleaner (look for CARB Certified).
  • If you must be outdoors in smoky conditions, use a well-fitting mask marked N95 or P100 with NIOSH on it to help reduce smoke exposure. Check with your doctor if you have a condition that may prevent wearing an N95. N95's are not designed for children or people with facial hair.
  • If traveling through smoke-impacted areas, set your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate.
  • Temporarily leave smoke-impacted areas depending on your sensitivity and the level of smoke.

How can you plan ahead to protect families’ health from smoke?

Visit Smoke Ready California | California Air Resources Board, to learn more about protecting your health from fire smoke, including guidance on the following topics:
Visit Listos California: Wildfire Smoke, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services site providing posters and educational materials on preparing for wildfire smoke in many languages.

Helpful Resources

Explore these trusted agencies and organizations for more information about prescribed fire, smoke impacts, air quality, and public health guidance.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Health guidance and wildfire smoke protection information for Los Angeles County residents.

Visit Resource

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

Air quality, wildfire smoke updates, and practical smoke safety tips for the South Coast region.

Visit Resource

Cal Fire

Learn how prescribed fire supports land management, wildfire resilience, and ecosystem health.

Visit Resource

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

Information about prescribed burning, air quality policy, and California’s broader smoke management efforts.

Visit Resource