The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has issued a Spare the Air Alert for the entire Bay Area on Saturday. It is the first Spare the Air Day declaration of the season by the BAAQMD.

The declaration made by officials means people will not be allowed to burn wood inside or outdoors for at least 24 hours, starting from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday.

The first offenders caught using their fireplace, wood or pellet stove, outdoor fire pit or other wood-burning device will have to pay a fine of $100 or they will have to take a wood-smoke-awareness class.

If a person is a second time offender then he or she will be fined with $500 and further repetition of the violation will result in more tough actions.

Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, on Friday said in a statement that air pollution caused due to burning of wood smoke is one of the highest health threats to Bay Area residents during the winter months.

“Just one burning fireplace can create unhealthy air for an entire neighborhood. It is important that the public refrain from burning, especially during these weather conditions that allow wood smoke to build up”, said Broadbent.

Health officials said the light winds and cold surface temperatures keep the particulates very close to the ground and contribute majorly to unhealthy air quality.

Usually the Spare the Air winter season runs from November 1 through February 29. Last year, there were a total of 23 winter Spare the Air alerts.