As the New Year's festivities draw near, air quality officials in San Francisco are putting out a plea to the public: Keep the fireplace cold and the firewood stacked. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District strongly urges residents to stop burning wood through the upcoming New Year's holiday to prevent air quality from dipping into unhealthy levels.

While igniting a cozy fire is not illegal, as there is no Spare the Air Alert currently in effect, the Air District is adamantly discouraging the practice. With just the standard activity, the Bay Area's air quality is anticipated to remain moderate. Still, the agency warns that burning wood during these festivities could seriously degrade the atmosphere in localized areas, not to mention the indoor air quality of your homes. Fireworks displays, a staple of New Year's Eve celebrations, are also on the agency's hit list, aimed to be doused in light of their contribution to spikes in air pollution and excess smoke and ash in our neighborhoods.

It's a health concern like the villainous fumes from a lit cigarette or the unforgiving haze from a wildfire, wood smoke packs a punch with carcinogenic materials such as particulate matter, benzene, and formaldehyde. These substances don't play nice with our lungs and are especially hazardous to vulnerable groups, including children, elders, and those with existing respiratory problems.

There's no shortage of methods for those in the Bay Area who want to stay informed about air quality and Spare the Air Alerts. The environmentally conscious can get a heads up by signing up for text alerts, calling the Air District's 1-877-4NO-BURN hotline, checking their websites, or downloading their iPhone or Android apps.