Northern California Enacts First Seasonal Ban on Wood Burning Due to Unhealthy Air Quality

Spare the Air alerts issued for Sacramento and Bay Area as pollution levels rise from wood smoke and stagnant weather conditions.

Sacramento and the Bay Area have issued their first wood-burning bans of the season, effective Sunday and Monday, due to unhealthy air quality levels.
Air quality districts warn that fine particulate matter from wood smoke poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
High-pressure weather systems and stagnant winds are trapping smoke near ground level, exacerbating pollution in residential areas.
Violators of the bans face fines, with first-time offenders eligible to take an educational course in lieu of penalties; repeat offenses incur higher fines.
Air quality is expected to improve by Tuesday, with forecasts indicating a return to moderate pollution levels.