Home / Environment / Bay Area Air Alert Extended: Wood Burning Banned
Bay Area Air Alert Extended: Wood Burning Banned
16 Jan
Summary
- Wood burning ban in effect until at least Saturday due to high pressure.
- Indoor and outdoor burning of solid fuels prohibited, including fireplaces.
- Violators face fines starting at $100 for first-time offenses.
The Bay Area's Spare the Air alert has been extended, now in effect until at least Saturday, January 17, 2026. This extension is due to a persistent high-pressure system that is expected to negatively affect air quality.
The air district has banned all forms of wood burning, encompassing both indoor and outdoor fires. This prohibition includes fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves, with no exceptions for residential or commercial use, except for specific heating exemptions. The goal is to mitigate the concentration of fine particulate matter.
Exposure to wood smoke is associated with serious health issues. The air district encourages first-time offenders to complete a wood smoke awareness course to avoid a $100 ticket. Repeat violations will incur a $500 fine, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to the air quality regulations.
