Bay Area Residents Asked Not To Burn Wood On Thanksgiving

BAY AREA, CA — Residents in the Bay Area were advised not to burn wood on Wednesday night or on Thanksgiving to keep air pollution from rising to unhealthy levels. While there is no Spare the Air alert, wood burning in fireplaces or stoves could significantly hamper air quality this week, the region's air quality management district said.

Wood smoke is a major source of air pollution during the winter months and can be especially dangerous for children whose lungs are still developing. Senior citizens and those with respiratory issues are also at risk.

"We are asking the public to help keep air pollution low this Thanksgiving by doing one significant thing — not burning wood indoors or outdoors," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said. "With the help of Bay Area residents, we can all have clean and healthy air to breathe over the holiday."

Bay City News contributed to this report.