Bay Area Issued Spare the Air Alert Amid Calm Weather

The alert prohibits wood burning as air quality is forecast to reach the moderate category.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Bay Area Air District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Thursday as particulate matter pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels due to calm winds and clear skies. The alert prohibits wood burning across the region to protect public health, especially for vulnerable groups like children and seniors.

Why it matters

Spare the Air alerts are issued when air quality is forecast to be unhealthy, often due to a combination of weather patterns and human activity like wood burning. These alerts are important to protect public health and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

The details

Haze obscured views across the Bay Area on Wednesday as air quality deteriorated. The air quality index ranged from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, with the worst conditions near the San Pablo Bay and delta region where a temperature inversion trapped pollutants. The Air District forecasts air quality to remain in the moderate category on Thursday.

  • The Spare the Air alert was issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The alert will be in effect on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Bay Area Air District

The regional agency responsible for monitoring and regulating air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What’s next

The Air District forecasts air quality to gradually improve over the weekend as sea breezes increase.

The takeaway

Spare the Air alerts are an important tool to protect public health when weather conditions trap harmful pollutants. Residents can help by avoiding wood burning and limiting outdoor activities during these alerts.