Clean air centers host open houses

When wildfire smoke covers the Flathead Valley, it affects everyday life for residents, with symptoms ranging from minor irritation to life-threatening issues for people with chronic health problems.  

A series of pop-up events across the valley Aug. 24-28 will highlight the establishment of community Clean Air Centers in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish. 

The three centers are public spaces where people can escape smoke and heat and learn how they can protect their families from poor air quality.  

The Flathead Clean Air Centers this summer upgraded their air filtration systems in partnership with Climate Smart Glacier and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. These community facilities are generally open to the public and now serve as an information hub about indoor clean air. 

The pop-up events will include refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and an opportunity to learn about home solutions to smoky air conditions.  Attendees may enter a drawing for a free household HEPA air filter.  

Each event is from 2-6 p.m. 

On Monday, Aug. 24, the Columbia Falls Community Center at 205 Nucleus Ave. will host an event. The Gateway Community Center at 1203 U.S. 2 West in Kalispell will host on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and on Thursday, Aug. 27, the event will be at the Whitefish Community Library at 9 Spokane Ave. 

Indoor air quality conditions at these three community centers are monitored and updated in real time at map.purpleair.com, which also reports nearby outdoor air quality. For a direct link to air quality reports for the three Flathead Clean Air Centers, go to climatesmartglaciercountry.org/clean-air-centers/. 

Since 2020 and in partnership with health care and social service partners, Climate Smart Glacier has provided more than 200 High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters to low-income households with health vulnerabilities. These donations are made possible by community donations. HEPA filters are distributed to needy households in partnership with Logan Health and Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana. 

The group also supports air quality assessments, monitoring and filtration upgrades to childcare facilities, including Head Start, in partnership with the Early Childhood Coalition of Flathead Valley. 

“Wildfire smoke can affect your health even when the fire is hundreds of miles away,” said Kate McMahon, a volunteer who coordinates CSG’s Wildfire and Health initiative. “Staying indoors doesn’t necessarily mean you’re breathing clean air. During periods of heavy smoke, indoor air can become nearly as polluted as outdoor air if your home or building does not have adequate filtration.” 

CSG’s website, climatesmartglaciercountry.org/wildfire-smoke/, provides information about how to build your own air filtration system using a box fan, how to upgrade your existing HVAC system to filter out smoke particles, and what to look for if you’re purchasing a stand-alone HEPA air filter. 

The mission of Climate Smart Glacier is to foster community resilience by addressing challenges from a changing climate. Challenges include hotter summers, increasing wildfire and flood risk, and more extreme weather.   

“Climate Smart Glacier serves as a community catalyst to tackle emerging challenges that otherwise haven’t received much attention,” said Steve Thompson, Climate Smart Glacier chairman. “As a volunteer-driven organization, we work with diverse community partners to make a difference.” 

For more information, email [email protected].