Air Quality
Air quality changes with meteorological conditions, pollution, and wildfires. Air quality is measured as an Air Quality Index that quantifies conditions and possible related health impacts. During periods of poor air quality, people may experience symptoms like burning eyes, throat and nose irritation, coughing, headaches, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat and chest pain. Infants and children, pregnant and nursing people, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are more susceptible to impacts from reduced air quality conditions. The following resources provide helpful information for times of poor air quality.
- The Department of Ecology provides real time air quality monitoring: Washington’s Air Monitoring Network
- The Washington Smoke Information blog aggregates information for Washington communities affected by smoke from wildland fires. This website regularly updates with current and forecasted air quality and wildfire information in Washington.
- EPA’s “AirNow” provides current, location-specific information about air pollution, including the Fire and Smoke map.
- The Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution (PDF) graphic provides health recommendations for the different color-coded air quality categories based on EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). The Air Quality Guide for Schools and Child Care Activities includes recommendations for school activities like recess, P.E., and athletic events and practices.
Wildfires
Wildfires occur when hot and dry weather joins with an ignition source such as lightning, powerlines, arson or even vehicle exhaust. Studies have shown hot and dry conditions are increasing in severity in the western U.S. While wet and cooler environments like coastal Western Washington don’t experience wildfires as often as other locations, they can still occur here, and it is important to be ready for wildfire in drier months.
Prepare Your Home
Every year, wildland fires consume homes in the wildland-urban interface – defined as areas where homes are built near or among lands prone to wildland fire. Studies show that as many as 80% of homes lost to wildland fire may have been saved if brush around the homes were cleared and defensible space created around structures. There is no better time than now to prepare and educate your family, friends and neighbors.
Making your home Firewise is one of the best ways to protect your home from a wildfire. Firewise is a principle for reducing the burn potential up to 100ft around a dwelling. If your home is built near wooded areas, taking simple steps can reduce the likelihood of future fires. To learn more about Firewise wildfire preparedness in Washington, see the resources available at WA Department of Natural Resources.
Your Home and Wildfire. Choices That Can Make a Difference.
