Politics & Government
Winter Spare The Air Alert Called For Christmas Eve
The ban on wood burning is in effect during the day and evening
Forget that charming blaze in the fireplace on Christmas Eve.
A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Tuesday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement on Monday afternoon, saying a high pressure system hovering over the region is trapping pollutants close the ground and causing unhealthy air.
It's the second straight day a Spare the Air alert has been called. It's the 17th one this winter season.
"We want everyone to enjoy their holiday this week, but unfortunately, weather conditions are causing unhealthy, muddy air again,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Bay Area air district. “Air is forecast to be extremely unhealthy this week so it is imperative that residents protect air quality and not burn in their indoor or outdoor fireplaces.”
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.
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