Tacoma establishes relief center at Eastside Community Center for people to escape smoke
The city of Tacoma has established an “Air Quality Relief Center” at the Metro Parks Eastside Community Center at 1721 E. 56th St. for people looking to escape the smoke that’s blanketed the area from Oregon and California wildfires.
The site will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Wednesday and can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.
“We are anticipating the site will be operational for up to two weeks or until the air quality has improved to ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’” the city said in a press release.
Tacoma’s air quality is currently “very unhealthy,” according to the Department of Ecology, and “unhealthy for everyone,” according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
The site is operated by community partners, and Pierce County Medical Reserve Corps will be on site to provide COVID-19 screenings, the city said. The city purchased air purifiers for the center.
People are required to wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines at the center.
Water will be provided and donations of non-perishable pre-packaged snacks can be made at the site.
Public spaces like libraries, malls and activity center that have been used in the past to escape unhealthy air quality are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving some populations, including people experiencing homelessness, with fewer places to go.
At a City Council study session Tuesday, staff said the city is prepared to make accommodations for people who need transportation.
Outside of city limits, Pierce County has established a clean air space at Meridian Habitat Park, 14422 Meridian E. in Puyallup. It can accommodate about 45 people and is also open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Puyallup’s New Hope Resource Center is staffing the site. Drinks and snacks will be provided by the Salvation Army.
