Smoke from multiple active fires in eastern Washington is affecting air quality across the Spokane region and the Columbia Basin, and officials from the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology are asking residents to monitor air quality conditions and take protective measures during elevated smoke periods.

Spokane Area Smoke

The Upriver Fire burning northeast of Spokane and residual smoke from the Tule Road Fire south of Yakima have contributed to elevated particulate matter (PM2.5) readings in and around Spokane during the afternoon and evening hours when wind patterns draw smoke over populated areas. The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency is monitoring conditions and updating its air quality dashboard at spokanecleanair.org.

The agency notes that its Airway Heights PM2.5 monitor is currently offline for annual maintenance. Residents in that area should consult AirNow.gov and the agency's remaining monitors for current conditions.

Oregon Updates Children's Health Guidance

In anticipation of a smoke-heavy fire season, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has released updated air quality guidance specifically for children and youth. The new Oregon Air Quality Guide for Children and Youth helps families, schools, sports programs, and youth organizations make informed decisions about outdoor activity during smoke events.

Children are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke than healthy adults because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight. Even at AQI levels that adults might tolerate, children participating in vigorous outdoor activity can receive significantly higher doses of harmful fine particles.

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index runs from 0 to 500. Here is what the categories mean for health decisions during smoke events:

  • 0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory. Outdoor activities are fine.
  • 51-100 (Moderate): Acceptable. Unusually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should limit prolonged outdoor activity.
  • 151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity.
  • 201+ (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous): Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion. Stay indoors with windows closed.

Protecting Yourself

During smoke events, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors with windows and doors closed, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, and wearing N95 or KN95 respirator masks -- not cloth masks -- when outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Real-time air quality data is available at AirNow.gov and through the Washington Smoke Blog at wasmoke.blogspot.com.