Spare the Air Alert Issued for Tuesday

A Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Tuesday -- the second straight day wood burning has been banned by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

A cold-weather pattern and lack of wind in the region has allowed air pollution to rise to unhealthy levels, district officials said.

The alerts today and Tuesday are the first two since the Winter Spare the Air season started on Nov. 1.

On Winter Spare the Air days, the burning of wood, manufactured fire logs or other solid fuel either indoors or outdoors is prohibited, according to the air district.

Households without permanent heating systems are exempt from the restrictions.

Anyone found to be in violation of the wood-burning ban will have the option of taking a wood-smoke awareness class or paying a $100 fine, with higher fines for subsequent violations.

To find out if an alert has been issued for any given day, or to learn more about wood smoke pollution, people can call (877) 4NO-BURN or visit www.baaqmd.gov.