By Ann McCreary Air quality is predicted to remain unhealthy through Thursday (Aug. 27) in the Methow Valley due to wildfires in the area, and some residents may want to use a mask to protect themselves. Okanogan County Emergency Management said the type of mask people use is important, and recommends using masks labeled N95 […]
air quality
Wildfire smoke causes air quality problems in Methow Valley
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.
State officials offer caution: take air quality seriously
By Marcy Stamper
If it seemed smoky on Tuesday (Aug. 12) and you had trouble catching your breath or missed your usual vigor, you were right—the air quality that day was among the worst in the region in several weeks, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.
