Politics & Government
Sound Familiar? Wood-burning Ban Extended for Wednesday
For an unprecedented 11th day in a row, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Wednesday, meaning no fires or wood-burning. The continued cool weather is keeping pollution trapped.
By David Mills
Another day, another alert.
A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Wednesday.
It will be a record 11th day in a row that an alert has been in effect.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, saying the prolonged cold weather is trapping pollutants close the ground and causing unhealthy air.
Officials said a fire at a Redwood City recycling facility probably contributed to unhealthy air levels on Tuesday. They added there are wood burning bans in effect in the Sacramento area and Central Valley, too.
Air quality officials said there is a chance air quality will improve on Thursday as stronger winds move in.
The Wednesday 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.
It's the 15th Spare the Air alert ordered this winter.
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