SF opens state’s first ‘Clean Air Center’ where public can go to escape hazardous fire smoke

State and local officials in San Francisco on Tuesday celebrated the launch of California’s first Clean Air Center, where people will be able to go when wildfire smoke creates poor air quality that is hazardous to health.

The Clean Air Centers will be located at sites like libraries, schools and community centers and will be provided with ventilation system upgrades or portable air filters, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which received $3 million via the California Air Resources Board for a grant program to fund the centers.