One of those rare winter Spare the Air days is here, folks. Which is to say, "Bay Area air quality officials have issued a Winter Spare the Air alert, which bans burning wood, manufactured firelogs, or any other solid fuel both indoors and outdoors." First offense will get you a warning, second one lands you $400 fine. Okay? Okay. [SF Appeal] more ›

The grumpy Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a "Spare the Air" alert today, the fourth one of the year! "The advisory prohibits indoor and outdoor burning of wood, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel, meaning it is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to use their fireplaces, woodstoves and inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits or any other wood-burning devices," shuns the air people. So, you know, don't do stuff like this today. [via Examiner] more ›

As particulate matter from the 850 wildfires has ruined our famously crisp and sought-after air in the Bay Area. On the plus side, though, it has made for some gorgeous sunsets. more ›

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is calling all ye Bay Area residents to spare the air tonight by refraining from lighting a fire or using other wood burning appliances. (Does that mean no Duraflames, you ask? Yes. Yes, it does.) more ›

Tonight, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has asked you, the Bay Area, to drive less as well as holding off on burning wood in fireplaces and woodstoves, which are a large contributor to airtime pollution level. (You hear that, Zuni Cafe and Chez Panisse, you depraved, Hummer-loving, slow-food bastards.) Read more about it here. Also, there's no free transit during winter/fall Spare the Air days. Bummer.... more ›

Now that summer's sun has given way to winter's gloom, the concerns of our air have moved from day to night. What does this mean other than a lousy attempt at being poetic? We're moving into "Spare the Night" nights. Like the one called last night. more ›