100s Of Spare The Air Scofflaws Turned In By Neighbors
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The Bay Area could be in for another holiday weekend of no fires in the fireplace. Air quality officials are ready to crackdown after too many people ignored calls for voluntary, as well as mandatory restrictions on wood burning fires over the Christmas weekend.
More than 400 people called in to complain about neighbors burning wood when they weren't supposed to, 77 of those cases could result in violations, and if they're repeat offenders it could cost them a $400 fine.
"We use those complaints, and look for areas where we've got reports of the most burning. That's where we direct our inspectors," said Lisa Fasano, spokeswoman for the Air Quality Management District.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
She said that they've seen 2,200 complaints since Nov 1st. Monday's air was so bad it rivaled conditions seen during the 2008 wildfires.
"We're seeing that kind of blow out where the breezes are coming up and we're cleaning out this week, but as we look at the long range forecast, it's looking like Friday may be a recommended no-burn day and we may have to call a no-burn day for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day," said Fasano.
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