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San Lorenzo Valley - Spare the Air

NO SPARE THE AIR ALERT

 

March 18-March 22: Dry and warm conditions will continue through mid-week as a high-pressure system persists, with a bit of morning fog. Later in the week two low-pressure systems are likely to consolidate bringing rain as early as Friday and into the weekend, accumulating about 1.5 inches on the coast and in the mountains, with less in the valleys. That system may be cold enough for mountain snow. For most of this week, temperatures at the coast will be in the mid-40s to mid-60s, and inland mid-40s to upper 70s . Ozone levels should remain below State standards and thus air quality for ozone will be GOOD. Early this week, as stable air from the high-pressure system continues, the San Lorenzo Valley and other valley locations may see woodsmoke (PM2.5) accumulate late evening/early morning with AQIs reaching MODERATE or even UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Otherwise, AQIs for PM2.5 (smoke) and PM10 (dust) in most areas should be GOOD.

NO SPARE THE AIR ALERT IS IN EFFECT.

 

 

May contain: fireplace and indoors

SPARE THE AIR SEASON HAS STARTED

November 3, 2023: Link to the press release/Enlace al comunicado de prensa

To reduce wintertime wood smoke in the San Lorenzo Valley, MBARD started a Spare the Air program to notify the community of days when wood burning is discouraged due to poor air quality conditions. During a Spare the Air alert, residents are asked to choose an alternative heating source such as natural gas, propane, electricity, or wood pellets.  Spare the Air alerts are issued during the colder months, between November and April each year.

Do your part on Spare the Air days: Choose an alternative home heating source on Spare the Air days and spread the word to your friends and neighbors about the call to action.

Spare the Air logo

Clean Wood Burning

Efficient and clean wood burning reduces smoke and harmful health impacts.

Learn five tips for an efficient fire by watching the video below.

Burning wet wood is a waste, learn why by watching the video below.

If you choose to burn wood, please remember:

  • Begin with a hot fire
  • Only burn dry, seasoned wood
  • Don’t use big pieces of wood, split the logs
  • Don’t let the fire smolder, give it enough air