UPDATE: Safer Air Center activated due to poor air quality

Brian Walker, 509-625-6765

Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 8:28 a.m.

UPDATE from Spokane Public Library at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 20: The Hillyard Library will resume regular service today, Sunday, Aug. 20, as air quality has improved inside the building. All libraries are open from noon to 4 p.m. today. This news release version includes Hillyard Library as open.

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A regional temporary, short-term drop-in safer air center and other indoor options are being offered due to heavy smoke in the area that is causing very unhealthy air quality conditions.

The safer air center will operate 24 hours a day at the Trent Resource and Assistance Center, 4320 E. Trent Ave., in East Spokane beginning today and whenever the Air Quality Index remains 201 or above, or “very unhealthy,” according to the Spokane Regional Air Quality Agency. It will be open to anyone who needs a place to seek relief from the smoke regardless of their housing situation.

The Trent center opened last fall as a safe, healthy indoor facility that has separated spaces for different demographics to stay indoors out of the elements with access to showers, restrooms, and three meals daily. It also offers support services, cool space, supplemental hydration resources and snacks.

“Anyone is welcome to come and stay for a few hours or longer as they need,” Mayor Nadine Woodward said.

In addition, other shelter providers throughout the city are encouraged to continue to provide space to those who need it if there’s capacity. Shelter space availability is reported by providers at sheltermespokane.org.

The Spokane Transit Authority Plaza downtown is another indoor option during business hours of 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday; and 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to escape unhealthy air. STA grants fare exceptions during extreme weather to customers who are unable to afford bus fare traveling to TRAC and other shelters. Additionally, the Salvation Army has vans that can meet people where they are at 24-7 and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.

Individuals also have the option of utilizing libraries during regular business hours to get inside out of the elements and have access to wi-fi connectivity, restrooms, water, interactive play areas and cool space.

Spokane Public Library open locations include Central (906 W. Main St.), Shadle Park (2111 W. Wellesley Ave.), Liberty Park (402 S. Pittsburg St.), South Hill (3324 S. Perry St.), Hillyard (4110 N. Cook St.) and Indian Trail (4909 W. Barnes Road). Libraries are open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m–5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday.

Spokane Fire Department paramedics are available to check on at-risk groups via the 911 system. At-risk groups include:

  • People who have heart or lung diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, or asthma, are at higher risk from wildfire smoke.
  • Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke. This may be due to their increased risk of heart and lung diseases.
  • Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke. Children’s airways are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Also, children often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play.

Spokane Regional Health District offers guidance for poor air quality as well as outdoor activities on its website.

Additional weather-related resources and information are available through:

The City continues to monitor National Weather Service Spokane and AirNow.gov data and will respond according to the level of severity designated in its Emergency Management protocols as conditions change.