Media contacts:

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency: Lisa Woodard | 509.477.4727 x 115 | LWoodard@spokanecleanair.org
Spokane Regional Health District: Kelli Hawkins | 509.324.1539 | khawkins@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash – The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air) and Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) are joining other agencies across the Pacific Northwest to promote June 10-14 as “Smoke Ready Week,” a week that focuses on ways residents can prepare now for summer’s potential wildfire smoke.

Dr. Francisco Velázquez, SRHD Health Officer, said, “Exposure to wildfire smoke can affect your physical, mental and psychological health, so taking steps ahead of time to protect yourself and those you care about can provide peace of mind.”

“As summer approaches, the threat of wildfire smoke increases, therefore it is critical to know where to access current air quality and how you can reduce your exposure to harmful smoke particles,” stated Scott Windsor, Spokane Clean Air Executive Director.

The following are daily themes and information for Smoke Ready Week 2024:

Monday: What’s in wildfire smoke?

• Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and particles. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. The best way to protect yourself is to reduce your exposure to smoke.

• Smoke contains fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometers and smaller (PM2.5). A human hair has a diameter 30 times larger! Because of their size, fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream.

Tuesday: Stay Informed about air quality.

• There are tools available to help you access the current Air Quality Index (AQI). Checking the AQI can help you make the best health decisions for you and your family. Conditions can change rapidly during wildfire smoke episodes. Check for hourly updates at Spokane Clean Air or the Washington Smoke Blog.

• Wildfire smoke season is right around the corner. One way to monitor the air quality is to sign up for personalized text or email alerts. You can also download EPA’s free AirNow mobile app.

Wednesday: Wildfire smoke and your health.

• Breathing wildfire smoke can worsen health problems and cause minor to serious symptoms like headaches, stinging eyes, coughing, trouble breathing, asthma attacks, and chest pain. Learn ways to protect yourself before the smoke arrives at SRHD.org.

• Infants and children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, and people with existing health conditions may experience more severe symptoms from smoke exposure. Discuss with your healthcare team and create a plan before the smoke arrives. Information and resources are available at SRHD.org.

• Smoke can affect everyone’s health. Depending on the Air Quality Index or AQI, you may need to limit or avoid outdoor activities. And don’t forget about your pets--they need clean air, too! For more health-related tips visit SRHD.org.

Thursday: Reduce your exposure to smoke.

• When it is smoky, close windows and doors, pay attention to the heat, and stay hydrated. Switch your air conditioner to the “recirculate” setting. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too hot to stay home, find cooler air elsewhere.

• Create a cleaner air room in your home with a portable HEPA air cleaner. They can help reduce particulate levels indoors if they are the right type and size for your home. Check out this fact sheet for more information.

• Need a low-cost way to clean the air? Try making a box fan filter yourself. This DIY solution costs about $60. While it will not provide the same level of protection as a HEPA air cleaner, it can effectively reduce smoke particles in your home. Check out this fact sheet with links to box fan filter options.

Friday: Prevent wildfires.

• On this final day of #SmokeReady Week, we’re focusing on wildfire prevention. Wildfires are increasingly common and severe. Still, humans spark the start of over 80% of wildfires. How can you help? Check for burn restrictions before having an outdoor fire, be sure to fully extinguish campfires, put out cigarettes in ashtrays, and be careful not to drag trailer chains. More fire prevention tips.

• Every action counts in wildfire prevention. Properly extinguish campfires, avoid dragging chains, and take extra care when operating equipment, such as ORVs, chainsaws, and lawnmowers. Do your part to prevent wildfires. More fire prevention tips.

For more information on wildfire smoke and how to reduce exposure to smoke, please visit:

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency

Spokane Regional Health District