BAY AREA — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a Spare the Air Alert Thursday due to poor air quality and wood smoke pollution. The alert, which prohibits wood burning both indoors and outdoors, extends through Saturday.
“It is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to burn wood or manufactured firelogs in fireplaces, woodstoves & inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits, or other wood burning devices,” the district said. Natural gas, propane, or electric fireplaces are permitted during the alert.
The alert extends throughout the entire Bay Area, including the North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, and Santa Clara Valley.
A high-pressure weather pattern has settled over the region, meaning weak winds, and warm, calm air. This has resulted in moderate to unhealthy air around the region due to trapped wood smoke and light winds.
Today, 1/15, and tomorrow, 1/16, Spare the Air Alert for woodsmoke! Bay Area air quality is expected to be Moderate in all regions. Check the AQI at https://t.co/tTizTYiRKT. pic.twitter.com/WkOMAu5OKG
— Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) January 15, 2026
Wood smoke contains carcinogenic substances, such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, that can be harmful when inhaled, the air district said.
Anyone found burning wood during this time will be asked to take a wood smoke awareness course if it is their first offense. If they do not take the course, first-time offenders will be fined $100, with higher fines for subsequent violations.
Some homes are exempt if wood burning is their sole source of fuel. See here for more information.
To sign up for alerts, text START to 81757, download the Spare the Air mobile app, or go to sparetheair.org/alerts.
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