If you woke up with a scratchy throat in the Bay Area this morning, smoke in the air might be to blame.
Poor air quality, likely the result of smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves, led officials to issue a Spare the Air alert on Tuesday. Residents are urged to stay indoors while the alert is in effect.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District will typically issue such alerts on calm, cold days when “fine particle pollution” found in smoke gets trapped close to the ground. In winter months, that smoke usually comes from intentional wood burning, rather than wildfires.
As such, burning wood is banned for a 24-hour period while the alert is in effect. That includes fire logs, pellets and “other solid fuels” burned in fireplaces, wood stoves and outdoor fire pits. First-time violators will have the option of either taking a wood-smoke awareness class or paying a $100 fine. A subsequent violation could result in a $500 fine, and further violations may result in higher fees.
According to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the air quality in most of the region Tuesday morning was rated as “moderate.” Air quality in the Santa Clara Valley was the worst in the region, with particulates high enough to be considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
The air district is encouraging residents to find other ways to reduce air pollution during the Spare the Air alert, including carpooling or utilizing public transit.
The alert is set to expire at midnight, unless the district decides to extend it through Wednesday.