10th Winter Spare the Air issued for Monday

The 10th Winter Spare the Air Alert this season has been issued for Monday, officials with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said today.

Wood burning will be banned indoors and outdoors while the alert is in effect, air district officials said.

The alert was issued due to poor air quality in the region from recent cold weather, according to air district officials.

Wood smoke is a major source of air pollution for the Bay Area, consisting of fine particles and carcinogenic substances that can be dangerous to inhale, air district officials said.

Wood smoke can especially be dangerous to children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions, district officials said.

Jack Broadbent, air district executive officer, said in a statement:

“Although air quality is expected to improve mid-week, it is important that Bay Area residents not burn wood during this alert to protect public health. We are asking the public to consider the health of their family and neighbors in the New Year by using cleaner, more efficient heating options for their homes.”

First-time violators of the alert are required to take a wood smoke awareness class in lieu of paying $100.

People who violate the ban a second time will be fined $500 and subsequent violations will result in higher fines.

Monday marks the fourth consecutive day such an alert has been issued. The Winter Spare the Air alert season began on Nov. 1 and continues through Feb. 28.

Those looking for more information on the air district’s daily burn status may do so online at http://www.baaqmd.gov or http://www.sparetheair.org, by phone toll-free at (877) 4-NO-BURN or through the Spare the Air iPhone and Android apps.

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