Air quality alert issued for Grant County due to wildfire smoke
Conditions expected to persist through the weekend.
EPHRATA — An air quality alert for residents in 10 eastern Washington counties has been issued by the Grant County Health District, National Weather Service, and other agencies.
Smoke from regional wildfires is expected to persist in Grant County through the weekend to late Monday morning, the Weather Service posted on its website. Also affected are Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens counties.
The Kaiser Canyon and Modrite fires have the most significant smoke impact on Grant County, the local health district said in a press statement Friday. As of 9 a.m. on July 24, the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan and Ferry counties had burned over 100,000 acres and was 3% contained. The Modrite Fire (Ferry County) covered 9,000 acres and was 0% contained.
“Increased fire activity is a concern for both fires as hot temperatures, gusty winds, and lightning are expected through the weekend,” the health district said. “Unfortunately, this is likely not the only smoke we will see during this season. Our region is on track to have one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent history.”
At the Ephrata Airport, daytime high temperatures reached 102 degrees Wednesday and 99 degrees Thursday before easing to the low 90s Friday. Daytime temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 80s through the weekend.
With smoky conditions, groups at higher risk include people age 65 and older; those with asthma, other lung, and heart diseases; pregnant women, children, and infants; and outdoor workers.
Safety suggestions from the health district include:
— checking air conditions daily at the Washington Smoke Blog;
— limiting strenuous activity and exercise;
— stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks instead of sugary beverages;
— keep indoor air as cool and clean as possible for those without air conditioning;
— wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and rest often in shady areas if working outdoors. Also consider wearing an N95 mask (not dust or surgical masks) to protect from fine particulate. Locations in Grant County with free N95 masks include public libraries in Coulee City, George, Ephrata, Mattawa, Moses Lake, Warden, Grand Coulee, Soap Lake, and Warden; the health district office in Moses Lake, and Wilson Creek City Hall and Wilson Free Farm Supply.
— Check on co-workers, fellow employees, and neighbors to ensure they are safe.
Wildfire smoke contains a mix of gases and fine particles which irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Smoke inhaled deep into the lungs can sometimes get into the bloodstream, making it harder to breathe, worsening other chronic health conditions.
Persons with asthma or other lung-related illnesses can consult their doctor about medication and a respiratory management plan.
High temperatures can cause heat-related symptoms and illnesses, such as heat rash, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death.
