SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento's unhoused population is bearing the brunt of poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke pouring in from the ongoing wildfires in the area.
The Caldor Fire started on Saturday, Aug 14., and has rapidly burned more than 50,000 acres as of Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Smoke from that fire, and others in Northern California, blanketed the Sacramento area, leaving the city's homeless exposed to elements.
"The [city] is prepared to activate cleaner-air centers should the Sacramento Air Quality Management District and Sacramento County Public Health declare the air quality as hazardous," Tim Swanson, spokesperson for City Manager Howard Chan's office, told ABC10 on Wednesday. "Should the air become hazardous, the City’s Office of Emergency Management also will work with community partners to distribute N95 masks to essential workers and unsheltered residents. These distribution efforts will include the City’s newly launched Department of Community Response."
ABC10 Meteorologist Tracy Humphrey says no improvement in air quality is expected in the next 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Mayor Darrell Steinberg's office said that at this moment, unsheltered people can go to public buildings like "the Library Galleria downtown, public libraries, and community centers."
According to the CDC, homelessness is closely connected to declines in physical and mental health; homeless persons experience high rates of health problems such as HIV infection, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental illness.
Swanson said in an email to ABC10 that the city will closely monitor the Air Quality Index levels (AQI) to determine a plan of action.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District says it's working on improving the response to poor air quality in South Sacramento/ Florin community. In a press release, they said people should stay indoors and use air conditioners to recirculate air.
To find public libraries in Sacramento, click HERE.
A list of community centers can be found HERE.
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