The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Sunday, banning fires in the Bay Area on Christmas Day.
The alert, the 10th in the region since the winter season started on Nov. 1, was issued because of anticipated cold and still weather conditions that will trap air pollution close to the ground.
The 24-hour ban prevents the use of fireplaces, woodstoves, outdoor fire pits or any other wood-burning devices. Homes without permanently installed heating are exempt from the ban.
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During the winter months, wood smoke is the leading cause of air pollution in the Bay Area, according to district officials. More information about the ban can be found at www.sparetheair.org or by calling 877-4NO-BURN.
Those wishing to receive automatic phone calls when a Winter Spare the Air alert is issued can register by calling (800) 430-1515.
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