Community Corner
Bay Area 'Spare The Air' Alert Issued Through Tuesday
A forecast of cold overnight temperatures and light winds are expected to trap wood smoke at ground level, according to the air district.
BAY AREA, CA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Tuesday because of the buildup of wood smoke in the region.
It is the second straight day an alert has been issued and the third of the winter season, when it is illegal on Spare the Air days to use fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits or any other wood-burning devices, except for exempt homes without permanently installed heating.
A forecast of cold overnight temperatures and light winds are expected to trap smoke at ground level, with the heaviest impacts in the Santa Clara Valley, according to the air district.
Find out what's happening in Novatofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"In the midst of a pandemic, it is more important than ever for residents to protect their respiratory health by not burning wood," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a news release.
First-time violators of the wood-burning ban are encouraged to take a wood smoke awareness class or else will face a $100 ticket. Subsequent violations are subject to escalating fine amounts.
Find out what's happening in Novatofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
People can find out when a Spare the Air alert is in effect by signing up for text alerts by texting "START" to 81757, calling 877-4NO-BURN, visiting sparetheair.org or downloading the Spare the Air smartphone app.
Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. — Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
