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Politics & Government

Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Friday

Don't use that fireplace just yet.

Winter Spare the Air alert has been issued for Friday.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District made the announcement at midday Thursday, saying stagnant air in the region is trapping pollutants close the ground and causing unhealthy air.

It's the fifth straight day a Spare the Air alert has been called. It's the 20th one this winter season.

The Friday alert prohibits Bay Area residents from burning wood, manufactured fire logs or any other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors for 24 hours.

First-time violators of the ban are given the option of taking a wood smoke awareness class or paying a $100 fine. Second violations result in a $500 fine and the penalties rise with each violation after that.

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