The Redwood Fire is seen from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. It was discovered Aug. 15 and has burned about 100 acres. Aug. 30 Photo via National Wildfire Coordinating Group

The Valley’s new clean air centers have been activated with a weekend weather alert due to wildfire smoke.

Similar to cooling centers for when temperatures rise, clean air centers provide a place for people to breathe fresh air free of the extra particulate matter that comes with wildfires.

Tulare County’s Redwood Fire was discovered in Sequoia National Park Aug. 15, one of seven fires sparked by lightning throughout the national parks. At about 100 acres currently, it has the potential to spread, but federal fire officials have a plan to contain it within a 3,000-acre area.

 

There are also ongoing fires in Northern California and Oregon, with weather patterns drawing smoke into the Valley, prompting the alert from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

It’s the first time the new clean air centers have been mobilized as part of a pilot program announced in May. Equipped with portable air cleaners provided by the District, the clean air centers are located in public places.

In Porterville, that’s the city council chamber, available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It’s the only clean air center in Tulare County, according to the City. Other clean air centers are located in the Clovis Senior Center in Fresno County and Chowchilla City Hall in Madera County, according to the District.