Politics & Government

Spare The Air Alert Issued For Saturday

The wood burning ban is the 30th of the winter season, tying a record set in 2006

It may not affect that many people because of our warm temperatures, but a Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Saturday.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement at midday Friday, saying a high pressure system is trapping pollutants and causing air pollution to rise to unhealthy levels.

It's the 30th air quality alert in the Bay Area so far this winter season. That ties a record set in 2006 with more than a month left in the season.

Only 10 alerts were issued during the entire winter season last year.

The Saturday alert prohibits Bay Area residents from burning wood, manufactured fire logs or any other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors for 24 hours.

First-time violators of the ban are given the option of taking a wood smoke awareness class or paying a $100 fine. Second violations result in a $500 fine and the penalties rise with each violation after that.

The air quality district has 60 inspectors that follow up on complaints and issue citations.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here