Politics & Government

Tuesday Makes Ten... Winter Spare The Air Alerts Continue

The Tuesday ban on wood burning will be the 10th straight day the Bay Area has been under a Winter Spare The Air alert

Keep your heater turned on.

Another Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued, this one for Tuesday.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement on Monday afternoon, saying the prolonged cold weather is trapping pollutants close the ground and causing unhealthy air.

It will be a record 10th day in a row that an alert has been in effect.

“Because of this prolonged dry and still weather pattern, air quality continues to be unhealthy throughout the Bay Area,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “Under these conditions, just like cigarette smoke in a crowded room, fireplaces can impact the entire region.”

Air quality officials said there is a chance air quality will improve on Wednesday as onshore winds move in.

The Tuesday 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.

It's the 14th Spare the Air alert ordered this winter.


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