MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle extends park closure through Wednesday for smoke

Sep 11, 2020, 2:52 PM | Updated: Sep 14, 2020, 5:13 pm

smoke, Seattle...

The Space Needle is almost completely obscured by smoke from wildfires as a man talks on his phone at Gas Works Park on September 11, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

The city of Seattle announced Monday that it would extend a park closures through Wednesday. Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Friday that the city is closing all beaches, parks, and boat launches through Sunday over concerns of poor air quality due to smoke from wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and California.

The city said it will not issue citations, but is strongly encouraging residents to avoid outdoor activities and stay inside if they’re able until the air quality improves. Seattle has remained in the very unhealthy to hazardous range all weekend.

Greenlake webcam

Alki webcam

Waterfront webcam

“During this time, we really want people to know and understand how unhealthy the air is,” Durkan said during a Friday press conference.

Very unhealthy to hazardous air quality conditions across Washington

Seattle Public Library curbside pickup was suspended through the weekend, and the Seattle Center closed its public restrooms through the weekend due to the lack of air conditioning and filtration systems.

Seattle Public Utilities closed Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area through Sunday. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail remains closed until further notice.

Homeless shelters

Alongside King County Executive Dow Constantine, Durkan also announced that the city would be opening a new “healthy air center” in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood for anyone experiencing homelessness. The site opens Friday afternoon, and will be able to provide clean air and shelter for up to 80 people for 24 hours each day until Monday.

The city’s Navigation Team is conducting outreach on Friday to refer homeless individuals to the shelter. King County Metro will assist with transportation.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is advising the city to make sure the shelter meets air filtration guidance and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That guidance also includes social distancing and hygiene measures. Face coverings will be provided, as well as no-touch hand washing stations.

“We know that indoor gathering – even with the proper precautions – increases a person’s likelihood of catching or spreading the virus,” Mayor Durkan said. “However, the threat of unhealthy air quality has become so great that we are taking additional actions as a City, including closing our parks and standing up an additional emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness.”

Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health – Seattle & King County said moving indoors reduces the risk of smoke, but carries more risk from COVID-19 than living outdoors.

“For that reason, we are using a space with air handling intended for a COVID-19 isolation facility and implementing all the CDC recommendations for preventing COVID-19 transmission in cleaner air shelters and will monitor the health of the occupants,” Duchin said. “This is intended to be a short-term strategy.”

Check the Washington Department of Ecology Air Quality Map

Seattle is also operating two other shelters — Fisher Pavilion and the Exhibition Hall — that have the filtration systems needed to comply with smoke and COVID-19 public health protocols.

The city and county say they’re also reaching out to businesses –especially those that have outdoor dining, are homeless service providers, or are child care providers — to make sure they’re aware of the pubic health guidance.

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

10 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

11 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

12 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

12 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

14 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

17 hours ago

Seattle extends park closure through Wednesday for smoke