The Bay Area will ring in the new year with a Spare the Air Day on Tuesday, Jan. 1, air quality officials have announced.

It is the first Spare the Air alert of the winter season and bans the burning of wood, manufactured fire logs or any solid fuel, both indoors and outdoors, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

"Current weather conditions are expected to allow air pollution to build up to unhealthy levels on New Year's Day," BAAQMD executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement.

"Sitting by the fire during the holidays may conjure up fond memories but it's important that everyone forgoes burning during this alert so we can all enjoy a happy, healthy holiday," Broadbent said.

The Winter Spare the Air season runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.

— Bay City News Service

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