Full Notification

Air Quality Advisory
08/13/2018 |
Environmental Health

Due to both localized and regional fires, air quality in the area is being severely impacted. Currently, there are limited air quality monitoring stations reporting but based on both Colville and Inchelium reporting, air quality is VERY UNHEALTHY at 4 am this morning.

Under these conditions, even healthy people can have breathing problems. People with asthma, lung and heart disease have an increased risk of symptoms or worsening of their disease.

People in impacted areas should consider the following:
• Stay indoors and do only light activities.
• Keep outside doors and windows closed if it is not too hot
• Run air conditioners on re-circulation mode and close outside air intakes
• While driving vehicles, use the AC but set it to re-circulate.
• Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters if you have them.
• If you spend time outdoors in heavily impacted areas, consider wearing an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic disease should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask as wearing one can make it more difficult to breath. In response to the Boyds Fire and severely impacted air quality, masks will be distributed in the area. Currently masks can be picked up at Northeast Tri County Health District Colville Office at 240 East Dominion Ave and the Republic Office at 147 N Clark Street. More information about proper mask use can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-353.pdf.

• In hot weather conditions, keep hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.
• If you live in a heavily impacted area, consider going to an area with better air quality until conditions improve. In some areas, shelters are set up and available.
• If you have symptoms of lung or heart disease that have been worsened by smoke exposure, contact your health care provider as soon as you can.

It should be stressed that wildfire smoke is not a major health threat for most people under most conditions. However, for sensitive groups, it can be a serious issue. Resources for real-time monitoring, additional health, and air quality recommendations can be found using the links below:
• Understanding the air quality conditions is fairly straightforward with this helpful guide https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/1802024.pdf
• You can check statewide air quality conditions at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/ . Local monitoring stations currently exist in Inchelium and Colville. There are neighboring monitor stations in Post Falls and Spokane.
• Use the Air Pollution and School Activities Guide PDF to determine if air quality conditions warrant activity restrictions.
• If wildfire smoke impairments exist in your area, use the Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Events handout that provides recommendations for schools with mechanical ventilation.
• Additional information about local fires, smoke, and air quality forecasting can be found at Washington Smoke Information.