The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and local public health agencies warn that air quality could reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups across the region, and conditions are expected to worsen through the week. Sensitive groups include children, adults older than 65, pregnant people, and those with asthma or heart and lung conditions.
Most of the smoke is coming from the Spokane Complex fire, a group of three fast-moving wildfires in Eastern Washington.
Two Fremont notes for Tuesday, Aug. 4: Some block organizers are weighing whether to cancel Night Out gatherings, so check with your organizer before heading out. And if you plan to drop a ballot for today’s primary, plan around the smoke and heat.
Health officials recommend staying indoors when possible, keeping windows closed, running air conditioning on recirculate, and limiting outdoor exercise. Residents without cooling at home can find cooling center information through 2-1-1 King County (search for “cooling center”). N95 or N100 masks can reduce smoke exposure outdoors.
The Fremont library branch is open this week but closes Sunday, Aug. 9, for an HVAC upgrade project. The upgrade is expected to improve the branch’s ability to serve as a cooling refuge during future heat events.
Neighbors who want to help those affected by the fires can donate to the City of Spokane’s H.O.M.E. Starts Here fund, which the city has activated to support community members impacted by the wildfires as they begin recovery.
Cooler and cleaner air is expected this weekend and you can check current conditions anytime at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
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