Wildfire Smoke Forecasted to Impact Region Again This Summer

June 12, 2023 Air Quality, Environment, Fire, Health, News, Outdoors, Washington, Washington Department of Health, Weather
nwssmoke061223
SPOKANE, WA – The National Weather Service in Spokane and other agencies are kicking off SmokeReady Week. Wildfire season is approaching, and while officials can’t predict how much smoke the Inland Northwest may get, they can help us be prepared.
“Each day this week we will feature ways you can protect your health from smoke and why it is important,” NWS says on its Facebook page. “Fine particles are of greatest concern to public health from wildfire smoke. These microscopic particles bypass our bodies’ natural defenses, traveling deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the lungs and heart and cause serious health effects.”
Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Health is urging the public to prepare now for smoke that can make the air unhealthy to breathe. Smoke Ready Week, observed June 12th through 16th, is an opportunity to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family.“We are expecting to have above normal fire activity in Washington by July,” according to Kaitlyn Kelly, MPH, Air Quality Policy Specialist with the DOH. “We have an outlook for below normal precipitation and that’s going to last into fall, so conditions are trending to a long fire season.”

From the Department of Health:

When smoke arrives it’s important to reduce exposure by staying up to date on the forecast and air quality index, limiting time outside, and keeping indoor air as clean as possible. After several days smoke can enter homes and buildings through leaky gaps in windows and doors. Having a way to filter indoor air will benefit your health. It’s key to buy supplies in advance because they often sell out quickly when it’s smoky out.

Filter indoor air by using a:

“We no longer have smoke-free summers in Washington,” said Kelly. “It’s important to know what is in wildfire smoke and why it can be bad for your health.”

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles and gases including carbon monoxide. Exposure to smoke can cause a number of health problems ranging from minor to severe. Those with pre-existing conditions, infants and children, pregnant individuals, adults 65 and older, and people with heart and lung disease can be most sensitive to wildfire smoke. Minor symptoms can include headaches, stinging eyes, runny nose, and trouble breathing.

You can stay updated on wildfires, air quality, the forecast, and health information on the WA Smoke Blog. For more information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, visit the DOH’s Smoke from Fires webpage.