LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A “no burn” alert has been issued Wednesday for residents in parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Officials say the haze hanging over many areas of Southern California has prompted them to issue the alert. They say this type of weather causes smoke particles to hang in the air, making it hard to breathe and even trapping the particles in people’s lungs.

Under the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s “Check Before You Burn” program, residents cannot burn manufactured or wood fire logs in their fireplaces or outdoor fire pits until midnight Wednesday due to the unhealthy air quality forecast.

The alert stretches to residents from Marina del Rey to Anaheim Hills, AQMD officials said.

Residents should visit the AQMD website to see if they live in the affected areas.

Officials say those who choose to use their fireplaces or fire pits will be fined anywhere between $50 to $500, depending on whether they’re a repeat offender.