After a one-day reprieve, another Spare the Air alert is hitting the East Bay.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has ordered a wood burning ban for Friday.
It's the ninth such prohibition since Jan. 1.
Air quality officials said Wednesday's rains did not flush out the fine particulate matter that had built up in the air. In some locations, the pollution exceeded federal health standards.
“Smoke pollution was high in many neighborhoods throughout the Bay Area on Wednesday, making it difficult for people to breathe," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. "Unfortunately, we are expecting unhealthy conditions again on Friday.”
The alert makes it illegal to burn wood, manufactured logs or other solid fuel indoors or outdoors all day and all evening on Friday.
First-time violators can either pay a $100 fine or take an online class. Second-time violators are subject to a $500 fine. Subsequent violations result in higher fines.
