A Spare the Air Alert will be in place for New Year’s Day in the Bay Area, the third alert of the winter season.
The upcoming alert was announced Tuesday by the Bay Area Air District ahead of an expected increase in air pollution levels over the New Year’s holiday due to fireworks and wood burning.
“Using fireworks during New Year’s celebrations can cause unhealthy spikes in air pollution, creating excess smoke and ash in neighborhoods, and further exacerbating existing air pollution levels,” the district said in a statement.
Smoke from fireworks and firecrackers can make breathing difficult for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Smoke from burning wood can also pose health risks because it contains harmful pollutants like particulate matter, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Although rain is in the forecast, the district does not expect it to sufficiently disperse pollution. Light winds will also allow pollution to build up across the region.
During a Spare the Air Alert, burning wood both indoors and outdoors becomes illegal. First-time violators can choose to take a wood smoke awareness course instead of paying a $100 fine. Ticket amounts increase with subsequent violations.
Gas, propane, or electric fireplaces are allowed to run during Spare the Air Alerts. Homes where wood stoves or closed fireplaces are the sole sources of heat may qualify for an exemption.
Members of the public can find out when a Spare the Air Alert is in effect by signing up for text alerts by texting “START” to 81757, calling 1-877-4NO-BURN, and visiting www.sparetheair.org.