Stone-cold fireplaces

Re “Pollution rules will put a damper on fireplace use,” March 8

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is pandering to the needs of business at the expense of individual homeowners. To say that home fireplaces contribute 6 tons of pollutants to the air every day is utterly ridiculous. I can’t remember the last time I used my fireplace when it was 115 degrees outside. How are the three or four logs that I burn maybe once or twice during the winter months causing more pollution than, say, California Pizza Kitchen? Its restaurants burn more wood in one day than I probably burn in 10 years.

What’s next on the AQMD agenda, fining a homeowner because a house burned down on a high-pollution day?

Raul Perez

Chino

I applaud the decision of regional air regulators; better late than never. Only natural gas should be used in all fireplaces, and not only in L.A. but in all other Southern California counties. When taking an evening walk when the temperature is below 40 degrees, sometimes you need a gas mask.

Dan Kraus

Thousand Oaks

I shall reluctantly forgo the comfort of a blazing hearth during high-pollution days, but only if the principal providers of that pollution, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, cease all operations for the same period. This means no combustion, either internal or external, lights out, electric motors dead, trucks parked, gates locked and all containers stationary.

John W. McWilliams

Long Beach