Air quality alerts were issued this week because of smoke from wildfires.
By Ann McCreary
Depending on winds, air quality in the Methow Valley has been fluctuating widely as a result of smoke from the many wildfires burning in the region.
The high concentrations of wildfire smoke prompted the state Department of Ecology to issue an air quality alert Monday (Aug. 17) through Thursday (Aug. 20) for central and eastern Washington, to warn residents of potentially unhealthy air.
“The air quality values will range from being unhealthy for sensitive groups to hazardous for everyone over the next few days,” Ecology said in a release announcing the air quality alert on Monday. “Weather patterns are preventing the smoke from clearing out at least through Thursday.”
Air quality in the Methow Valley was predicted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups — including children, elderly and people with asthma or lung disease — on Wednesday (Aug. 19).
Gusty northwest winds were expected to arrive on Thursday lasting into Friday, clearing smoke from the area. Ecology said it would re-evaluate its air quality alert on Thursday.
Air quality in the valley deteriorated badly Sunday afternoon (Aug. 16) as weather conditions allowed smoke to pour into the valley, creating a heavy yellowish haze. Instruments measuring air quality, including phone apps, did not record the air quality because a brief power outage shut them down.
The National Weather Service earlier this week predicted that a cold front will arrive Thursday night producing windy conditions into Friday and clearing smoke from the valley.
When air quality is unhealthy, the Washington Department of Health recommends the following steps to protect against adverse health effects:
• Avoid physical exertion if smoke is in the air.
• If advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed, or consider leaving the area.
• Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the unit set to re-circulate. Change the filter regularly.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Don’t use candles, fireplaces or gas stoves that add to indoor air pollution.
• Don’t vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home.
• If you have asthma or lung disease, follow directions about taking medicines and following asthma management plans.
For smoke forecasts and other wildfire related information visit WAsmoke.blogspot.com.
