As the Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn, smoke from the fire has been pushing down valley into northern Mason County and the Hood Canal Region.
As a result, the National Weather Service, in coordination with the state Department of Ecology, the state Department of Natural Resources, and ORCAA, has issued an Air Quality Advisory (AQA) for Mason County. The AQA remains in effect through Friday morning. The AQA notice states:
An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Mason County, effective immediately through 9 am Friday, August 15, due to current wildfire smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels may reach very unhealthy or hazardous levels in areas closest to the fire. Health Impacts and Recommended Actions: When air quality is very unhealthy or hazardous, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Consider going elsewhere for cleaner air, if necessary. Burning restrictions are in effect.
Smoke is expected to impact communities from Hoodsport to Shelton, and possibly into the south Puget Sound as well, impacting residents of Thurston and Pierce Counties.
Additionally, a large plume of smoke from fires in northern British Columbia has pushed south over the Pacific just off the Washington coast. As the high-pressure ridge currently over the Washington interior breaks down, that smoke plume could move onshore. That could create elevated levels of PM2.5 in coastal communities of Pacific, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties.
For information about protecting your health during wildfire smoke events, visit Smoke From Fires | Washington State Department of Health.
Residents can find updated air monitoring information at Current Air Quality – ORCAA.
