Spare the Air Alert Issued

Bay Area air quality officials have issued a winter Spare the Air alert for today, which bans burning wood, manufactured fire logs or any other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors.

Air quality is expected to be unhealthy in the region due to cold weather and a lack of wind that will trap air pollutants close to the ground, according to the district.

Particulate matter from wood smoke is the main source of winter air pollution, and has been linked to illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and lung disease, officials said.

The Winter Spare the Air season runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.

People who are found to be burning wood during a Spare the Air Day could face fines. First-time offenders will receive a warning, but a second violation is subject to a $400 fine, with steeper fines for further violations.

Residents and businesses that burn wood as their only source of heat are exempt from the alerts.

--Bay City News Service