NEW ORLEANS — With an active marsh fire burning underground wetlands between Bayou Sauvage National Urban Wildlife Refuge and the Michoud Canal causing widespread air quality issues throughout the area, local officials are distributing free masks this week to those communities affected.
In coordination with New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), the City of New Orleans is distributing free N95 and KN95 masks to communities impacted by the wetlands fire smoke. Individuals in need of free masks are encouraged to stop by the following locations:
- New Orleans East Regional Library (5641 Read Blvd.): Monday - Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Joe Brown Recreation Center (5601 Read Blvd.): Monday - Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sanchez Multi-Service Center (1616 Fats Domino Ave): Monday - Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Algiers Regional Library (3014 Holiday Drive), Monday - Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In a release sent on Monday afternoon, the city says the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) remains vigilant in monitoring the wetlands fire situation to assess and mitigate potential health impacts on the community.
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