Residents are prohibited from burning wood and solid fuel through Monday, Dec. 26 after the Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended a Spare the Air alert.
Air district officials says the region is experiencing worsened air quality conditions as cold temperatures, stagnant air, dense fog and high pressure is trapping wood smoke pollution.
"Fine particulate pollution is expected to continue to impact our air quality throughout the region," said Sharon Landers, interim executive officer of the air district. "Wood smoke has immediate and long-term health impacts. Let's all do our part to protect public health by not burning wood."
Bay Area residents and businesses are prohibited from using fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits and other wood-burning devices as the alert is in place.
Homes dependent on wood-burning devices for heat are exempt, though all devices must be be EPA-certified. Pellet-fueled devices must be registered with the Air District, officials said.
Fine particulate pollution in the wood smoke can cause health impacts, especially for children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions.
First-time violators are encouraged to take a wood smoke awareness course or will have to pay a $100 fine. Second violations will bring a $500 fine that can grow with subsequent violations. Residents can call (877) 4NO-BURN or visit www.baaqmd.gov to file a wood smoke complaint or to get more information on the wood burning ban.
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