The mandatory no-burn rule only takes effect when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy. Anyone caught using an indoor or outdoor fireplace or wood stove on those days will be subject to a $50 fine. But how will that be enforced? 

"No one will actually be coming to anyone’s door, knocking or entering their home." 

Christina Ragsdale is with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. She says they may not be knocking on your door…but... 

"Our inspectors will be patrolling on No Burn Days. They will be looking for visible smoke coming out of someone’s chimney."

They’ll also rely on people complaining about their neighbors.

The no-burn rule is designed to help local air quality meet federal emission standards. The air district’s board adopted the rule last month.

Since this is the first year, the board decided to waive all fines. Instead, violators will get a letter in the mail.

Bad air days will be included in weather reports, just like “Spare the Air Days” during the summer.