Photo: Getty Images
Bay Area residents will need to resist the urge to use their fireplaces during this chilly Winter!
A Spare the Air alert has officially been issued for Monday, December 19th due to poor air quality and "weather conditions trapping wood smoke pollution near the ground."
On Spare the Air days, it is illegal to use wood burning devices, such as fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, wood burning pizza ovens, etc. in homes and businesses, including hotels and restaurants. According to Spare the Air, the consequences are as follows:
- First-time violators: Take a wood smoke awareness class or pay a $100 ticket
- Second-time violators: Pay a $500 ticket
- Third-time & above violators: Ticket amount will be subsequently higher after every violation
Get more information and sign up for Spare the Air alerts here.