While chilly temperatures are expected to continue Wednesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is issuing the season's fourth Winter Spare the Air Alert, prohibiting the use of wood-burning devices to keep warm.

For 24 hours, the district is banning wood and synthetic log burning, both indoors and outdoors. Pollution levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels in the Bay Area this weekend, prompting the alert.

"It's essential that Bay Area residents refrain from burning wood during this alert so we have cleaner air to breathe," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district.

The alert prohibits residents and businesses from using fireplaces, woodstoves, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits or any other wood-burning devices for the duration of the ban.

Fines will be levied for violations, with first-time violators being given the option to take a wood smoke awareness class in lieu of paying a fine. Second violations will result in a $500 ticket.

The Winter Spare the Air season runs from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.

For more information, go to www.sparetheair.org or call the toll-free hotline at (877) 4-NO-BURN.

— Bay City News Service

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