Second Spare the Air Day Called for Wednesday

A second Spare the Air Day has been called for Wednesday, banning the burning of wood and solid fuel, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

"Weather conditions are expected to trap wood smoke near the ground, creating unhealthy air quality in the Bay Area," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. "Wood smoke, like cigarette smoke, is unhealthy for everyone so it is important that Bay Area residents not burn wood during a Winter Spare the Air Alert."

The winter season's first Spare the Air Day was on New Year's Day, and continued bad weather predictions have led the district to call for a second day. On Spare the Air Days in the winter season, it is illegal to burn wood inside or outside, manufactured fire logs, and any other solid fuel, district officials said.

Homes without heating other than wood stoves are exempt from the ban, however. Penalties for violating the ban include fines and mandatory wood smoke awareness classes. The Winter Spare the Air season runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. 

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