Spare The Air Alert Issued For Wednesday

Despite some rain in the forecast, another Spare the Air alert has been issued for Wednesday.

The edict prohibits the burning of wood, manufactured fire logs and other solid fuel indoors or outdoors throughout the Bay Area all day and all evening Wednesday.

It's the eighth such alert issed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District since Jan. 1.

The ban comes even though the National Weather Service is forecasting rain during the day on Wednesday and possible showers Wednesday evening.

Air quality officials say particulates have built up in the air during the past few days and are threatening to reach unhealthy levels on Wednesday. Officials say tomorrow's rain will not be enough to reduce pollution levels.

“The region will again experience high particulate pollution levels,” said Jack Broadbent, the air district's executive officer. "Due to the Winter Spare the Air Alert calls, we have not yet exceeded the federal health standard, which is exactly what the alerts are designed to do."

First-time violators are given the option to take a wood smoke awareness class, online or by mail, in lieu of paying a penalty. Second violations result in a $500 ticket and subsequent ticket amounts are higher.

Related Story: Would You Report Your Neighbor for Burning Wood on a Spare the Air Day?