Another Spare The Air Alert Issued For Saturday

Air quality officials have issued another Winter Spare the Air alert, this one for Saturday.

It's the fourth such warning announced this week by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

The alert makes it illegal to burn wood, manufactured fire logs or other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors. The prohibition is in effect all day and all night on Saturday.

Air quality officials say the alert is necessary because this week's cold, still weather has allowed particulate matter to build up in the atmosphere.

"The region continues to experience elevated levels of particulate pollution from wood smoke, making it hard for many Bay Area residents to breathe,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. “Wood smoke is a serious problem in the region and wood burning is not allowed during Winter Spare the Air alerts to protect the health of Bay Area residents."

First-time violators are given the option of taking a wood smoke awareness class or paying a $100 fine. A second violation results in a $500 fine. The penalties continue to increase with each violation.