Why is there a Spare the Air alert in the Bay Area?

A Spare the Air alert was issued for the Bay Area due to a high-pressure system trapping air pollution near the ground and potential for winds to bring in pollution from the Central Valley.

What are the penalties for violating the wood-burning ban?

First-time violators receive a $100 ticket, which can be waived by taking a wood smoke awareness course. Subsequent violations incur higher fines, starting at $500.

Are there any exceptions to the wood-burning ban?

Yes, homes where wood or pellet stoves are the sole heat source may be exempt if the devices are EPA-certified or registered with the district. Open-hearth fireplaces no longer qualify for exemptions.

Home / Environment / Bay Area Smog Alert: Wood Burning Banned

Bay Area Smog Alert: Wood Burning Banned

5 Feb

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Summary

Wood burning is banned during Spare the Air alerts.
Pollution trapped by high-pressure system causes alert.
Fines increase for repeat violations of the ban.

Bay Area Smog Alert: Wood Burning Banned

Atmospheric conditions in the Bay Area have led air quality regulators to declare a Spare the Air alert for Thursday, prohibiting all wood and solid fuel burning. A high-pressure system is currently trapping pollution near the ground, and prevailing winds may carry additional pollutants from the Central Valley.

During this alert, residents and businesses are forbidden from burning wood, manufactured logs, or other solid fuels, both indoors and outdoors. Exemptions exist for homes relying solely on wood or pellet stoves as their primary heat source, provided the devices are EPA-certified or registered with the district. Open-hearth fireplaces no longer qualify for any exemptions.

Violators will face penalties, starting with a $100 ticket for first-time offenses, which can be waived by completing a wood smoke awareness course. Subsequent violations incur higher fines, beginning at $500 and increasing thereafter. Residential wood smoke is a known contributor to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular events, and is estimated to cause between 94 and 210 premature deaths in the Bay Area each year.