Politics & Government
Again, No Fires in Bay Area Thursday
Wood-burning is banned again in the Bay Area on Thursday – the 25th day of the past 39 that Spare the Air Alerts have been declared by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District because of heavy air pollution.
By David Mills
Make it two for two in 2014.
A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Thursday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement at midday Wednesday, saying stagnant, dry air in the region is trapping pollutants close the ground.
It's the 25th alert since Nov. 25 so far this winter season. Only 10 alerts were issued during the entire winter season last year. The winter season runs through the end of February.
It's also the third straight day an alert has been issued. A wood burning ban has been declared in 10 of the past 11 days.
The Thursday alert prohibits Bay Area residents from burning wood, manufactured fire logs or any other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors for 24 hours. Those with no other source of heat are exempt.
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.
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