The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has declared yet another Winter Spare the Air Day for Saturday, the fourth consecutive day this week that burning of wood logs and other solid fuels, indoors or outdoors, is prohibited by law.
High overhead pressure across the west and Pacific Northwest is creating conditions for stagnant unhealthy air, the National Weather Service said. The North Bay and East Bay areas are expected to have particular problems.
High pressure traps smoke, soot and wood particulates close to the ground, where folks are trying to breathe. Fine particulates can be drawn deep into the lungs, causing significant respiratory health problems.
Bay Area air officials say 15 to 20 Spare the Air Days are usual during the season, which runs Nov. 1 to Feb. 29. Saturday will be the fourth this year.
Those with no other heating source are exempt from the ban on wood burning.
More information is available at www.sparetheair.org.
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