Spare the Air Alert Issued for Monday

Photo via Shutterstock

By Bay City News Service

A Spare the Air Smog Alert has been issued for Monday due to hot weather, smoggy conditions and smoke from wildfires around the region, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Monday marks the ninth such alert so far this year, according to air district officials. Air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said smoke from new wildfires throughout California, like the 1,200-acre Tassajara Fire in Monterey County, have contributed to air pollution.

According to the air district, nearly 40 percent of smog and greenhouse gases in the Bay Area come from passenger vehicles, and the best way to reduce that pollution is by driving less.

The district is encouraging commuters to consider alternate means of transportation, like walking, biking or public transit.