In recent years, western Washington has experienced a new threat: Smoke from Wildfires.
Though surrounded by forests, the communities of western Washington have generally avoided the problems of heavy smoke infiltration in our neighborhoods. But our changing climate and shifting weather patterns have introduced wildfire smoke into the region at previously unseen levels. The smoke generally originates far afield – from fires in Oregon, California, Idaho, eastern Washington, and even Canada. But the smoke has impacted our communities, usually during the peak summer months when we want to be outside enjoying our natural wonders.
To stay safe and healthy during these periodic smoke events, residents should follow the guidance of the Washington Department of Health.
https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/air-quality/smoke-fires
According to the DOH:
The best way to protect you and your family when the smoke levels rise is to stay indoors and keep the indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors and taking steps to filter your indoor air.
- Avoid physical exertion outdoors if smoke is in the air.
- If you have asthma or other lung diseases, make sure you follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines and follow your asthma management plan. Call your health care provider if your symptoms worsen.
- Stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible. Take the following steps when indoors during smoke events:
- Keep windows and doors closed. Track the air quality and open your windows for fresh air when the air quality improves. Pay attention to the heat indoors and follow the guidance below if it’s too hot.
- Improve the filtration in your home. Three options are described in question 8 below.
- Run an air conditioner, set it to recirculate, and close the fresh-air intake. Make sure to change the filter as the manufacturer recommends. It may get dirty faster when smoke is prolonged or at high levels.
Don’t add to indoor pollution.
- Avoid using candles, incense, sprays, fireplaces, or gas stoves.
- Avoid diffusing essential oils.
- Don’t broil or fry food or smoke cigarettes indoors.
- Avoid vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home.
- Consider leaving the area if the air quality is poor and it’s not possible to keep the indoor air clean, especially if you or those you are caring for are having health problems or are in a sensitive group. See the section above for who is especially sensitive to smoke.
For more information about keeping indoor air free of smoke, see EPA’s Indoor Air Filtration Factsheet (PDF).
To stay informed about wildfire smoke events, visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
This site, the Washington Smoke blog, is a partnership between state, county, and federal agencies, and Indian Tribes. We coordinate to collectively share info for Washington communities affected by wildfire smoke.
