Air Curtain Burners Explained to Help Reduce False Alarms and Keep Communities Safe

Community members may notice large, smoky fires in rural areas around Woodbridge and Lodi particularly near vineyards undergoing agricultural waste removal. These fires are not wildfires or structure fires, but rather a legal, controlled agricultural practice known as Air Curtain Burning.

“When air curtain burners are mistakenly reported as emergencies, fire crews and resources are immediately dispatched potentially pulling them away from true emergencies,” said Brian Bernier, Operations Chief of Woodbridge Fire. “We encourage community members to learn more about these controlled agricultural burns to help reduce false alarms and keep emergency services available when they’re needed most.”

Air Curtain Burners are specially designed systems that provide a cleaner, more efficient way to dispose of agricultural waste like vines and roots. They create a high-velocity curtain of air over a burn chamber that helps contain and re-burn smoke particles, reducing visible emissions and environmental impact. While this method is controlled, the flames and smoke can be mistaken for wildfires or structure fires.

"Air curtain burners are a safe and environmentally responsible way for our agricultural partners to manage waste,” said Alberto Garcia, Fire Chief of the Thornton Fire Protection District. “We’re committed to working closely with our agricultural partners to ensure they’re not only prepared but actively helping to educate the community as well.”

What the Public Needs to Know:

• Air Curtain Burners are specially designed systems used by farmers to safely dispose of agricultural waste such as old vines and roots, especially from diseased or removed vineyards.
• These units resemble large dumpsters equipped with blower systems that create a "curtain" of air, dramatically reducing smoke and emissions.
• They are permitted, regulated, and monitored in accordance with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control and fire safety standards.
• These are not emergencies. They are part of critical land management practices supporting the agricultural economy.

Safety First: When in Doubt, Report

• While these operations are controlled, your safety is always our priority. If you see smoke and are unsure whether it's a controlled burn or something more dangerous, call 911. It's better to be cautious than risk ignoring a true emergency.
• However, please do not report Air Curtain Burner activity as structure fires unless you are certain it poses an immediate threat.

Help Us Help You

By staying informed, you’re helping our local fire departments stay focused on actual emergencies—and you’re supporting the vital work our agricultural community is doing to maintain healthy land and crops.

For more information on fire safety, please visit the Woodbridge Fire website and Thornton Fire website.