The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has declared a
Spare the Air Alert, making it illegal to burn wood until the alert
is lifted.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has declared a Spare the Air Alert, making it illegal to burn wood until the alert is lifted.
The district put the alert into effect earlier today after forecasting an already unhealthy level of quality, according to a press release. Burning wood or other solid fuel contributes to poor air quality.
“Wood burning is the single largest source of wintertime particulate pollution in the Bay Area,” said Jack Broadbent, the district’s executive officer. “Particulate pollution is associated with a multitude of serious health risks and is particularly harmful to children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.”
The district encourages people to check before burning wood, even when they have not heard that a Spare the Air Alert is in effect, by calling (877) 4-NO-BURN.
To sign up for alerts, find details on daily air quality or read exemptions to the rules, visit www.baaqmd.com or www.sparetheair.org.
