Politics & Government
No Let-up in Wood-burning Ban – Record 8th Straight Day Sunday
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has extended the ban on wood-burning for record eighth day in a row with yet another "Spare the Air" alert because of unhealthy levels of pollution in the air.
By David Mills
The fireplace needs to remain cold, at least for one more day.
A record eighth-straight Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued, this one for Sunday.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement on Saturday afternoon, saying the prolonged cold weather is trapping pollutants close the ground and causing unhealthy air.
“This has been a challenging week for air quality with a high pressure system in place that has not allowed fine particulate pollution to disperse,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. “We are asking for the public’s continued cooperation to protect the health of Bay Area residents and reduce pollution from wood burning.”
The alerts prohibit 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.
It's the 12th Spare the Air alert ordered this winter.
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