For the 10th time this year, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Winter Spare the Air alert.
This one is for all day and all night on Saturday.
Air quality officials say our cold, calm weather has caused air pollution levels to rise again and they expect unhealthy conditions on Saturday.
The alert prohibits the burning of wood, manufactured logs or other solid fuel indoors or outdoors.
“Wood smoke is the other second-hand smoke, with many of the same harmful qualities as cigarette smoke,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air quality district. “In the Bay Area, it’s the single largest source of air pollution on still winter days.”
First-time violators of the ban have the option of taking an online wood smoke awareness course or paying a fine. Second violations bring a $500 fine. Subsequent violations bring higher fines.
