The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is asking residents to not burn wood over the Thanksgiving holiday to help reduce air pollution and protect public health. As we enter the holiday season, gathering around a fireplace may be a tradition for many, but there are serious health impacts associated with wood burning.

The Air District will host an in-person conversation with Air District Board Chair Davina Hurt on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 12 noon – 1 PM at the Greenhouse Community Room in the San Lorenzo Public Library. The conversation will focus on community questions and concerns regarding air quality issues and climate change. 

The Air District is sending representatives to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 through November 22. Air District Board of Directors Chair Davina Hurt and Executive Officer Dr. Philip Fine will hold a virtual press conference on Tuesday, November 19 at 10 AM. Bay Area residents are invited to join the discussion, ask questions and share their concerns by connecting with the Air District on Facebook during the livestream press conference.

The Air District has released a woodsmoke White Paper for public comment, which provides extensive information on wood burning in the Bay Area, the current state of the regulatory landscape for wood-burning devices, and a discussion of potential recommendations to further minimize woodsmoke emissions and exposures.