A change in weather this weekend could mean wildfire smoke events in parts of ORCAA’s six-county jurisdiction.
With multiple large wildfires burning in British Columbia, and in Washington’s North Cascades, a forecast of northerly winds could bring ground-level smoke into areas of the north peninsula and Puget Sound.
As a result, the National Weather Service (NWS), in coordination with ORCAA and other air agencies, plans to issue an Air Quality Alert (AQA) starting 9 a.m. Saturday, August 19, extending through Monday, 9 a.m., August 21.
The AQA covers the following counties: King, Snohomish, Pierce, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Mason, and Thurston
Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Unhealthy levels in King County and counties to the north, including eastern Clallam and Jefferson Counties. PM2.5 may fluctuate between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels in Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties.
Health Impacts and Recommended Actions:
When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Stay cool and hydrated in the excessive heat. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
For more information on Health Impacts and ways to address them, visit the ORCAA’s information page: Wildfire Smoke – ORCAA.
Or visit the Washington Department of Health’s Smoke Information page: Smoke From Fires | Washington State Department of Health
Additional Resources
Check outdoor air quality for your area on the ORCAA air monitoring page, or on the Department of Ecology interactive map page. During wildfire smoke episodes, you can track smoke plumes at the EPA Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov). You may also check Washington DNR’s Current Wildfire Incident Information | WA – DNR and the Washington Smoke Blog.
One way to help minimize smoke impacts is to ensure no additional smoke is added to our local air. Outdoor burning is currently prohibited in all six ORCAA counties – Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston – for fire safety reasons. These burn bans include the recreational fires, a.k.a. campfires. You can see more information on burn bans the current restrictions on ORCAA webpage, County Burning Restrictions – ORCAA
