Bay Area residents are facing another winter with Spare the Air Alerts due to pollution from wood smoke. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued alerts for today and tomorrow, banning burning wood, manufactured fire logs, or solid fuel indoors and outdoors. According to the district, light winds and cold overnight temperatures are expected to create unhealthy air quality due to increased wood burning.
Combining poor air conditions with high pressure systems over northern California creates a "lid" that traps ground-level smoke. And it doesn't help that offshore winds might bring additional pollution from the Central Valley into our backyard. The consequences are that during these alerts, all residents and businesses are prohibited from using fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, or outdoor fire pits. However, an exemption exists for those without permanently installed heating, assuming their wood-burning device is EPA-certified or pellet-fueled and duly registered, as highlighted by the district guidelines. This does not apply to open-hearth fireplaces anymore.
The health impact of this type of pollution is not insignificant; wood smoke contains harmful particulate matter and carbon monoxide akin to cigarette smoke. Young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues are especially vulnerable, with exposure posing a risk for serious respiratory illnesses and heart attacks, according to the Air Quality Management District's release.
Should residents worry about pollution caused by wood smoke, alternatives like natural gas, propane, or electric fireplaces are within bounds during Spare the Air Alerts. The District powers with foresight, issuing alerts up to three days in advance to prevent exceeding federal air pollution standards. The District makes it simple: sign up for text alerts, call 1-877-4NO-BURN, or check out their website and mobile apps for real-time updates. Penalties for first-time violators of the rule start at a $100 ticket or a wood smoke awareness course, escalating to $500 for second offenses, as reported.
The District also has rules against excessive smoke and prohibits burning garbage and harmful materials like plastic or wood pallets. Residents with concerns about wood smoke pollution can call 1-877-4NO-BURN for support.
