(BCN) -- The Bay Area Air District has issued a Spare the Air Alert for Thursday, banning wood burning in the region because of a forecast for high levels of pollution. On Spare the Air days, it is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to use their fireplaces, wood stoves, outdoor fire pits or other wood-burning devices unless they have an exemption, such as being a home without permanently installed heating, according to the air district. The wealthy ramp up spending while other Americans tread water, new study finds People who violate the wood burning ban will be encouraged to take a wood smoke awareness course if it is their first offense. Violators who don't take the course will receive a $100 ticket, and subsequent violations will bring higher fines. Air district officials said particulate matter pollution is harmful to breathe, particularly for young children, seniors, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Copyright © 2026 Bay City News, Inc. ...read more read less