Politics & Government
Bay Area Fire Ban Extended for Sunday – Pollution Hasn't Cleared
It's the second day in a row that expected unhealthy levels of air pollution have triggered a Spare the Air alert from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
By David Mills
Keep those matches in the box.
A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Sunday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement at midday Saturday, saying a high pressure system is trapping pollutants close the ground.
This is the second straight day an alert has been called and it's the 29th air quality alert in the Bay Area so far this winter season. Only 10 alerts were issued during the entire winter season last year.
The Sunday 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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Keep those matches in the box.
A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Sunday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement at midday Saturday, saying a high pressure system is trapping pollutants close the ground.
This is the second straight day an alert has been called and it's the 29th air quality alert in the Bay Area so far this winter season. Only 10 alerts were issued during the entire winter season last year.
The Sunday 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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