Media Contacts

Lisa Woodard, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency | (509) 863-2463 | LWoodard@SpokaneCleanAir.org Kelli Hawkins, Spokane Regional Health District | (509) 994-8968 | khawkins@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash. – Wildfire smoke from area wildfires is affecting air quality now, and conditions are expected to worsen this evening into overnight, reaching “very unhealthy” levels of the air quality index (AQI), according to Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air).

As of 5:35 p.m. today, AQI is at 211, in the “very unhealthy” range. High AQI is expected through tomorrow morning, potentially lessoning by tomorrow afternoon. At this range, everyone is at risk of more serious health affects due to exposure. Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) provides guidance on how to stay healthy when air quality is poor.

Stay Aware of the Air Quality Range & Plan Accordingly

Please visit www.airnow.gov for hourly updates on the air quality levels. Statewide air quality information is also available at Washington Smoke Blog.

According to L&I’s Emergency Wildfire Smoke Rule, employers are required to take steps to limit workers’ exposure to smoke when smoke particulates, known as PM2.5, reach certain levels.

Visit L&I’s website to learn more.

Stay Indoors

• Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
• SRHD provides a guide for School Activities and Outdoor Sporting Events to help navigate decisions based on air quality. The same guide could be used by businesses or for private gatherings. It is located at www.srhd.org/air-quality-wildfire-faq, under Resources.
• If one must be outside, it is advised to wear a properly fitted N95 mask, not fabric or surgical masks. See SRHD’s resource on how to put on an N95 correctly.
• Clean air spaces can be found at local libraries, malls and movie theaters.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution. Make a do-it-yourself box fan filter. Avoid smoking tobacco, using woodburning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles, incenses or vacuuming. See “How to Create a Clean Room” guidance.
• Listen to your body and contact your healthcare provider or 911 if you are experiencing health symptoms.
• Check on family and friends, especially those in sensitive groups. Provide a clean air space for them if needed.

For more information and resources on wildfire smoke and your health:

• Spokane Regional Health District Wildfire Smoke
• Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency Wildfire Smoke
• Statewide smoke and fire information
• L&I Wildfire Smoke Requirements & Policies

About Spokane Regional Health District

Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.

About Spokane Clean Air

Our job is to ensure that people in Spokane County have clean air to breathe. We monitor air quality for

key pollutants to know how clean the air is and where to focus our resources. We implement programs to improve air quality; we enforce federal, state, and local air quality laws; and we encourage individuals to make clean air choices.