Spare The Air Alert Issued Friday

Bay Area air quality officials issued a midday Spare The Air smog alert on Friday, but they did not impose a wood burning ban.

Officials at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said smoke from Northern California wildfires, light winds and higher temperatures than expected caused them to change their pollution forecast.

The officials urged East Bay residents not to participate in outdoor activities this afternoon when air pollution is highest.

“These high temperatures and smoke from wildfires are creating hazy skies and unhealthy air in the region,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. “It doesn’t take much to cause the region to experience unhealthy air which is why this summer, we are asking residents to leave their car at home at least twice a week - take transit, work from home, carpool or bike to work instead of driving alone.”